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, acknowledging his request, promptly released the standout running back. This move comes as a significant change for a team that once relied heavily on Elliott's prowess to drive their ground game.
Shortly after parting ways with the Cowboys, Elliott found a new opportunity, signing with the Los Angeles Chargers' practice squad. The Chargers, an 11-6 team facing a string of running back injuries, welcomed Elliott's talent to bolster their backfield depth as they prepared for the postseason.
An Opportunistic Move
The Chargers' need for reinforcements in the running back department cannot be overstated. Both J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards have been grappling with injuries, casting doubts over their availability and effectiveness for crucial games. Dobbins had a promising season, rushing for 905 yards and nine touchdowns, but a lingering knee sprain forced him to miss several games this year. On the other hand, Edwards has struggled with fitness consistently, further complicating the Chargers' offensive plans.
This precarious situation opens the door for Ezekiel Elliott to potentially make a significant impact. If Gus Edwards remains sidelined, Elliott could be elevated from the practice squad, ready to contribute in the high-stakes postseason game against the Houston Texans.
A Storied Career with the Cowboys
Ezekiel Elliott's journey to the Chargers is marked by an illustrious tenure with the Dallas Cowboys. Selected as the fourth overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft out of Ohio State, Elliott was quick to make his mark in the league. In his rookie season, he led the NFL with 1,631 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns, earning a first-team All-Pro selection and a Pro Bowl nod. His dynamic presence on the field made him a crucial asset for the Cowboys, not just in his debut season but throughout his early career.
Elliott's impact extended beyond his rookie year. For his first three seasons, he led the NFL in rushing yards per game and topped the league in total rushing yet again in 2018. His ability to dominate on the ground made him one of the league's most formidable running backs during this period.
The Shift in Dallas
However, the latter part of Elliott's career in Dallas saw a decline in his production. Since 2021, he has not managed to surpass the 1,000-yard mark for rushing in a season or average more than 3.8 yards per carry. This dip in performance led to a shift in the Cowboys' offensive dynamics, with Elliott losing his starting position to the emerging Rico Dowdle. Dowdle, capitalizing on his opportunity, recorded his first 1,000-yard rushing season, further cementing his role within the team.
A New Chapter with the Chargers
In 2024, Ezekiel Elliott's role diminished significantly, illustrated by his production of only 226 rushing yards and three touchdowns, complemented by 69 receiving yards over the course of 15 games. Despite this reduced output, Elliott's experience and skill set offer valuable assets to the Chargers, especially in a playoff setting.
The Chargers are indeed banking on Elliott's proven track record and experience in high-pressure situations. His tenure with the Cowboys has equipped him with a deep understanding of the game, which could be instrumental as the Chargers look to make a postseason push.
As the Chargers face the Houston Texans, the potential inclusion of Ezekiel Elliott adds an intriguing layer to their playoff narrative. Whether Elliott can reclaim his former glory remains to be seen, but his presence undoubtedly injects experience and potential into a team navigating the challenges of running back injuries. For Elliott, this marks a new chapter, a chance to reinvigorate his career and contribute meaningfully as the Chargers aim to advance deeper into the playoffs.