2017 NFL Power Rankings Preseason Week 2: Los Angeles Rams take major step forward

7. Dallas Cowboys (5)

Whether Dallas Cowboys fans want to admit it or not, making the adjustment for six games without Ezekiel Elliott is going to be an extremely difficult task after leading the NFL in rushing yards as a rookie. Luckily, the Cowboys still have one of the league’s top offenses beyond their star running back, but it’s still not going to be easy to adjust to for Dak Prescott and company.

Prescott along with a majority of the starters sat out during Saturday’s game against the Los Angeles Rams, so there’s no reason to be concerned over losing the contest. If anything, the Cowboys should be thrilled over the emergence of an unexpected star who continues to make an impact on offense in Rico Gathers.

After failing to suit up for Dallas as a rookie since he was a member of the practice squad, Gathers is making a strong case this year for a roster spot after back-to-back games of finding the end zone. For a former basketball star with enormous size and strength, Gathers is a name to keep an eye on over the final three weeks of preseason to see if he continues to play at this level to give the Cowboys an unexpected new weapon.