Haven’t heard much about Ezekiel Elliott lately? That’s because Rico Dowdle has been on an absolute rampage, becoming the first undrafted running back in Dallas Cowboys history to top 1,000 rushing yards in a single season—slaughtering the competition every step of the way.
Ezekiel Elliott Workload Took a Nosedive
Elliott’s workload has nosedived ever since the Cowboys made Dowdle their featured back. Yes, fans grumbled because that call didn’t come until halfway through the year, but if you’d been following training camp, it was obvious: Dowdle was the top dog. Yet somehow, Elliott spent the first two months holding onto RB1 duties, chipping away at Dowdle’s opportunities.
Now that Dowdle’s broken out, the Cowboys have decided to pull the plug on Zeke altogether. According to NFL insider Josina Anderson, Elliott asked for his release—and the Cowboys are giving it to him. While the cut itself isn’t shocking, the timing caught some folks off-guard. Why not just wrap up the season and move on? Well, it sounds like Dallas wanted to show Zeke some respect and let him join a playoff contender if a spot opens up.
Respect might feel a little ironic here, considering Elliott’s apparent lack of professionalism this season—a far cry from the typically buttoned-up veteran we once knew. He was late to meetings, missed a Friday session before Week 9, and even found himself effectively suspended for a game. All of that drama blew up any chance of a smooth reunion in 2024.
Zeke’s Best Work Comes at the Goal-Line
The truth is, Elliott’s sweet spot at this stage of his career is short-yardage and goal-line work. He could’ve filled that role behind Dowdle, but the Cowboys kept forcing a committee approach in the first half of the season. The result? Elliott mustered just 3.1 yards per carry on over 70 attempts—dead last among 46 qualifying rushers.
Sure, this final stretch in Dallas will leave fans feeling sour. But let’s not forget: Ezekiel Elliott is still one of the best running backs in Cowboys history and of his era. Once the stink of 2024 fades, folks will remember his glory days fondly. He’s had a remarkable run—just like Dowdle’s having right now—and no matter how it ended, Elliott’s mark on this franchise won’t be forgotten anytime soon.
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