Cowboys to add running back Ronnie Hillman for depth

The Dallas Cowboys are signing running back Ronnie Hillman to bolster their depth at the position.

Hillman was one of two running backs they worked out last week, including Denard Robinson.

With Jahad Thomas sidelined, the Cowboys have just four backs getting work in practice, starter Ezekiel Elliott, veteran backups Darren McFadden and Alfred Morris and Rod Smith.

Hillman is also considered an option to fill the role vacated by Lance Dunbar, who signed with the Los Angeles Rams as a free agent. Dunbar served as a third-down option and kick returner.

The Cowboys did not sign Hillman because they feared a suspension for Elliott, who continues to wait on the result of a year-long investigation from the NFL, according to a source.

McFadden and Morris are the main options for the Cowboys if something happens to Elliott.

Hillman is added for depth purposes in practice and as a possible Dunbar-like role, if he shows some of his former spark.

Hillman rushed for 863 yards with the Denver Broncos in 2015, but was cut in training camp last year. He had brief stints with the Minnesota Vikings and San Diego Chargers in 2016 and went unsigned a free agent before joining the Cowboys.

This story was originally published July 27, 2017 at 12:14 PM with the headline "Cowboys to add running back Ronnie Hillman for depth."