Cowboys just made a surprising statement about Ezekiel Elliott
It's no secret that running back Ezekiel Elliott wanted to return to the Dallas Cowboys in 2023, and they wanted him back, depending on the financial side of it (Elliott was set to make $10.9 million this season). However, Elliott was released about two weeks ago. Cowboys' head coach Mike McCarthy relayed how hard the […]
It's no secret that running back Ezekiel Elliott wanted to return to the Dallas Cowboys in 2023, and they wanted him back, depending on the financial side of it (Elliott was set to make $10.9 million this season). However, Elliott was released about two weeks ago.
Cowboys' head coach Mike McCarthy relayed how hard the decision was to move on from Elliott on Monday when speaking with NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
You know, no one felt good about that," McCarthy said. "I mean, Zeke has such a bright light to him too. He's a great teammate. There's so much love for him in the building, but you get to these spots, you know, the longer you're in this league, these are tough decisions. Very difficult decisions. Very difficult for Dak (Prescott). You know, I've had a number of conversations with Dak, but it's not easy."
Elliott was one of the most productive runners in the NFL in his first four seasons with the Cowboys. He won rushing titles in 2016 and 2018 while leading the league in yards per game in between. In the first season of his six-year $90 million deal in 2019, Elliott finished fourth in rushing and tied for first in 100-yard games.
Injuries have plagued Elliott since then. A calf ailment slowed down his 2020 campaign, his first under 1,000 yards in a full season. After five weeks in 2021, Elliott was third in the NFL in rushing with two 100-yard outings to his credit, but he suffered a torn PCL which hindered him (wasn't reported until after the season).
Elliott would have to deal with another lower-body injury last season, a hyperextended knee. He did lead the team in rushing touchdowns with 12, but he was visibly not the same.
Despite all of this, McCarthy said a reunion between Elliott and the Cowboys isn't out of the question.
"Yeah, definitely," said McCarthy. "I think you always keep the door open. Absolutely."
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones echoed those sentiments while also mentioning that a reworked deal was never offered before his release. There's no telling where this situation will go, but it's something to keep in mind.
