Cowboys RB coach Jeff Blasko returns after six-game absence

Ahead of their Week 8 matchup against the L.A. Rams on Sunday, head coach Mike McCarthy made a big announcement regarding his staff.

Under McCarthy, the Dallas Cowboys revamped the coaching staff after a disappointing second-round playoff exit last season. Among the changes made was the promotion of Jeff Blasko from assistant offensive line coach to running backs coach and run game coordinator.

Due to health issues, however, Blasko hasn’t been able to coach Tony Pollard and the rest of the Cowboys running backs through the first six games. Now, McCarthy announced Wednesday, Blasko is back on the field with the team.

Through the first six weeks, several other coaches combined their efforts to work with the running backs and on the run game itself. During that time, the Cowboys have compiled a 4-2 record while leaning heavily on Pollard and Co.

Dallas ranks sixth in the NFL in rushing attempts per game (30.3). With Blasko back, the team could stand to improve in yards per carry (3.9), which is currently 21st in the league. Despite his absence, the running backs still averaged over 100 rushing yards per game through Week 7. Tony Pollard is 15th among the NFL’s starting running backs with 370 total yards.

With only one name on the injury report for Dallas on Wednesday, the Cowboys appear to be headed into their Week 8 game against the Rams at full strength – players and coaches included.

Former Cowboys RB coach now in Tampa Bay

Following the non-renewal of his contract, former Dallas Cowboys running backs coach Skip Peete landed the same role with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The former long-time Cowboys assistant was one of eight staff members who did not get their contract renewed for another season in Dallas.

Peete was in his second stint working for the Cowboys. He coached in Dallas from 2007-2012 and again from 2020-22 when Mike McCarthy took over. He also coached running backs for the Raiders, Rams and Bears.

Prior to joining the NFL, Peete coached wide receivers and running backs at Pittsburgh, Michigan State, Rutgers and UCLA before making the switch to the big leagues. In college, he was a wide receiver at the University of Kansas, earning All-Big Eight Conference honors in 1985.

In Tampa Bay, Peete is working under head coach Todd Bowles. Among the running backs in his new stable are Leonard Fournette, Rachaad White and Ke’Shawn Vaughn. The Bucs RB group is averaging 77.8 yards per game.