Is Ezekiel Elliott’s time with the Dallas Cowboys coming to an end? The star running back is growing frustrated with his reduced role in the offense, and the rise of Rico Dowdle is only adding fuel to the fire.
Through five games, Elliott has managed just 98 yards and one touchdown on 30 carries, far below expectations for a player of his stature. Zeke hasn’t been shy about his frustrations, expressing disappointment over his limited carries, saying he believes he deserves more touches.
Dowdle’s Rise The situation escalated following the Cowboys’ Week 5 win against the Steelers. Rico Dowdle stepped up in a big way, rushing for 87 yards on 20 carries and adding a receiving touchdown. With a performance like that, Dowdle is making a strong case for more playing time, leaving Elliott’s role even more uncertain.
“I think everyone wants to see the ball more,” Elliott admitted. “It’s just the way the games have played out, us getting behind and not being able to run the ball.”
Elliott’s comments highlight a larger problem within the Cowboys’ offense: they haven’t had a 100-yard rusher in 19 games. While Dowdle’s Week 5 outing was a step in the right direction, it’s clear the entire rushing attack needs improvement.
Competition in the Backfield As if Dowdle’s rise wasn’t enough, the presence of Dalvin Cook on the practice squad adds another layer of complexity. If Cook is promoted to the active roster, Elliott will face even more competition for snaps.
Jerry Jones added intrigue to the situation, stating, “It’s a long season. Judiciously managing snaps of veteran players is a big part of the whole show.” His comments could signal a shift in the Cowboys’ backfield, though it remains unclear how the situation will unfold.
Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy tried to calm the situation, saying, “He’s a great teammate, brings great energy every day. Sometimes the games don’t reflect what’s going on in practice.”
But how long can Elliott stay content as his role diminishes? It’s one thing to be a supportive teammate, but it’s tough to watch your backup shine while you remain on the sidelines.
What’s Next for Zeke? If Cook moves up from the practice squad, Elliott’s playing time could shrink further. After a brief stint with the New England Patriots in 2023, could a return to Foxborough be on the horizon? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the Cowboys’ backfield situation is far from resolved, and Elliott’s future in Dallas is hanging in the balance.
