Dallas Cowboys Part Ways with Ezekiel Elliott
In a surprising turn of events, three-time Pro Bowler Ezekiel Elliott requested his release from the Dallas Cowboys just days before their season finale. The Cowboys obliged, marking the end of an era for one of the team's most celebrated running backs. This move comes as the team transitions to younger talents, notably Rico Dowdle, who has emerged as Dallas' new rushing leader with his first 1,000-yard season.
A New Beginning with the Los Angeles Chargers
Following his release, Ezekiel Elliott quickly found a new home with the Los Angeles Chargers' practice squad. The Chargers, concluding the regular season with an 11-6 record, have been grappling with significant injuries to their backfield. Both J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards have faced challenges in staying fit, opening the door for Elliott to potentially make a significant impact.
J.K. Dobbins has been the standout performer for the Chargers this season, rushing for 905 yards and nine touchdowns. However, his campaign was marred by a knee sprain that caused him to miss several games. Meanwhile, Gus Edwards has struggled with fitness issues, casting doubt on his future availability. These circumstances set the stage for Elliott, who might be called up to the active roster for the postseason clash against the Houston Texans, especially if Edwards remains sidelined.
Elliott's Journey of Highs and Lows
Ezekiel Elliott's career began with a bang when he was drafted fourth overall by the Cowboys in the 2016 NFL Draft out of Ohio State. His rookie season remains one of the most prolific in recent memory, as he led the league with 1,631 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns, earning a first-team All-Pro selection and a Pro Bowl nod. Over his first three seasons, Elliott consistently led the NFL in rushing yards per game, further asserting his dominance by leading the league in total rushing once again in 2018.
However, Elliott's form began to wane as he approached his fifth year with the team. Since 2021, he has struggled to replicate his early success. Failing to cross the 1,000-yard threshold in recent seasons and averaging no more than 3.8 yards per carry, Elliott gradually lost his grip on the lead running back spot in Dallas.
In 2024, Elliott contributed modestly to the Cowboys’ offense with 226 rushing yards and three touchdowns, along with 69 receiving yards from 12 receptions over 15 games. These numbers underscore the decline in his productivity, prompting the team to make difficult yet necessary decisions regarding its roster composition.
Looking Ahead: A Chance for Redemption
Ezekiel Elliott's move to the Chargers is filled with potential for redemption. As the postseason looms, the possibility of Elliott being called up to the active roster provides him with an opportunity to prove that he still possesses the talent and drive that made him a standout player in the early years of his career. For the Chargers, facing a running back crisis, the potential addition of a proven performer like Elliott could be the missing piece needed to reinforce their playoff ambitions.
The NFL is a league defined by its unpredictability, and as Elliott embarks on this new chapter with the Los Angeles franchise, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if the former Cowboy can rejuvenate his career and re-establish himself as a premier running back in the league.