Cowboys Re-Sign Veteran Running Back to Practice Squad Just 12 Hours After Release
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The Dallas Cowboys didn’t wait long to make another roster move in the backfield. Less than a full day after finalizing their initial 53-man roster, the team has already made a familiar addition to the practice squad.
The shuffle comes as part of the league’s standard roster cutdown period, where hundreds of players are waived across the NFL before teams quickly retool their practice squads. For Dallas, the decision highlights their intent to retain depth and keep developmental options in-house.
This particular move also underscores the difficult balance between roster numbers and on-field value. While the Cowboys initially had to let go of a back who flashed in both the run and pass game, they made it clear they still believed in his potential.
That belief became action on Wednesday morning, when Dallas announced the re-signing of the 23-year-old running back to their 16-man practice squad.
The player is Deuce Vaughn, who was released on Tuesday but quickly cleared waivers. Vaughn, who recorded 70 rushing yards on 17 carries (4.1 YPC) along with 18 receiving yards last season, will now remain with the organization in a developmental role.
For Vaughn, the return is both relief and opportunity — a chance to keep growing within the system he knows, while staying ready if injuries or performance shifts open the door for him to contribute again on Sundays.
For Dallas, it’s also a win: they keep a hard-working, versatile back close by, ensuring that the depth chart remains steady as the long season unfolds.