The Dallas Cowboys entered the 2024 season with Ezekiel Elliott and Rico Dowdle battling for the starting job. While most expected a somewhat even split of work with Elliott being the 1A back in the committee, Dowdle has established himself as the starter. Through five games, the former undrafted free agent has led the way with 54 carries for 221 rushing yards (4.1 yards per carry) and a 72.2 PFF grade. Elliott, meanwhile, has 30 carries for 98 yards (3.3 yards per carry), one touchdown, and a 62.1 PFF grade.
Thus far, Rico Dowdle has been the vastly superior back, and Ezekiel Elliott reportedly isn’t thrilled with this development. The Dallas Morning News reports that the former first-round pick spoke to coaches about his reduced role, and owner Jerry Jones responded by doing some damage control and claiming the team is “saving him” for the long haul. Jones is doing his best, but Elliott won’t be happy with a reduced role. If this usage continues, the former rushing leader could request a release and end up with teams like the Los Angeles Chargers or Kansas City Chiefs.
#Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said on @1053thefan that Ezekiel Elliott's lack of opportunities is because they're "saving him" and "I can't emphasize that enough," Jones said.
Elliott said he was "dumbfounded" by the lack of opportunities, but Jones says it's an exaggeration to… pic.twitter.com/jWCAtQFMOn
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 11, 2024
Ezekiel Elliott Could Request Release Following Rico Dowdle Emergence
Jim Harbaugh believes in running the football and the value of a running back who can pick up those difficult yards. Unfortunately, he doesn’t have one of those on his roster. Former Raven J.K. Dobbins is more of an elusive runner, while free agent signee Gus Edwards is battling injury and wasn’t doing his job too well even when he was healthy. Ezekiel Elliott might not be the player he once was, and he might not even be better than Rico Dowdle. However, if he requests a release, he could add some competition for Edwards or rookie Kimani Vidal.
At 2-2, the Los Angeles Chargers don’t stand much of a chance of catching the 5-0 Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC West race. They are, however, still alive in the Wild Card hunt and their odds of making the playoffs will only increase with a healthy Justin Herbert. The 2016 version of Ezekiel Elliott would be perfect for this offense, but the 2024 version can still provide some life, even if he’s no Rico Dowdle. A jack of all trades and master of none, the present-day Elliott can usurp Edwards for short-yardage touches while giving Dobbins some much-needed relief on early downs.
Super Bowl Support
Andy Reid’s scheme is magic for running backs, with Kareem Hunt being the latest example of what happens when you see snaps in this offense. The former third-round pick turned back the clock in Week 5, recording 102 rushing yards and one touchdown on 27 attempts against the New Orleans Saints. Ezekiel Elliott won’t usurp Hunt on the depth chart, but he could fight with undrafted free agent Carson Steele if Rico Dowdle effectively pushes him off the Cowboys.
Steele impressed throughout the preseason but couldn’t carry his preseason success into meaningful games, as he’s one of the league’s least efficient runners. Perhaps he can develop into a reliable player, but the contending Chiefs can’t allow his slow development to hinder their run at a title. Ezekiel Elliott has lost a step, but the current backup to Rico Dowdle can still power through arm tackles and win difficult battles in short-yardage situations. While he won’t singlehandedly win a Super Bowl for the Chiefs, he could be the difference between a 4th down stop and a continued drive in a close playoff game.
Main Photo: Barry Reeger – USA Today Sports
