Vaughn was forced into RB2 duties for Week 18 after the Cowboys released Ezekiel Elliott. He saw six carries against the Commanders, inflating his season totals to 17 carries for 70 yards, with three catches for 18 yards. Vaughn never really got going as more than a depth option in the Cowboys’ backfield. He finishes his second season in the NFL with minimal fantasy impact, as his size keeps him out of the backfield often, despite some burst plays. Unlikely to find a lead or daily role any time soon, fantasy managers can expect Vaughn to be a strictly depth piece without long-term fantasy considerations.

Vaughn will now miss at least four games, meaning he can only return this season if the Cowboys make the Super Bowl. The sixth-round rookie never found much of a role in the Dallas offense. He ended the year with 23 carries for 40 yards and seven catches for an additional 40 yards. Vaughn also occasionally pitched in on special teams including four punt returns. The diminutive back will look to carve out a larger role during the offseason program next year, though he will not be on the redraft radar.

Rico Dowdle being out with an ankle injury means Vaughn, a rookie who has been a healthy scratch for most of the season, will operate as the team’s RB2 behind Tony Pollard on Saturday. He won’t have any fantasy value unless Pollard gets dinged up and Dowdle remains hurt.

Vaughn will be inactive for the first time this season, which could mean additional work for Rico Dowdle behind starter Tony Pollard. Trey Lance will again serve as the team’s emergency quarterback.