Cowboys' Jerry Jones adds to intrigue about imminent Ezekiel Elliott decision before Lions matchup
The Dallas Cowboys have a decision to make around the running back that directly involves Ezekiel Elliott ahead of the team's Week 6 matchup against the Detroit Lions: Will they elevate Dalvin Cook to take his spot on offense? Earlier this week, Elliott talked to reporters and confirmed he had discussed his role on offense with […]
The Dallas Cowboys have a decision to make around the running back that directly involves Ezekiel Elliott ahead of the team's Week 6 matchup against the Detroit Lions: Will they elevate Dalvin Cook to take his spot on offense?
Earlier this week, Elliott talked to reporters and confirmed he had discussed his role on offense with the coaching staff, which has been limited to 31.8% of the snaps, which ranks below Rico Dowdle and Hunter Luepke (the latter has also played FB and TE snaps).
Elliott hasn't been very productive in those limited opportunities, averaging 3.3 yards per attempt through five games.
The situation has raised some questions about shaking things up at running back and potentially elevating four-time Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook, who has remained in the practice squad for the first five weeks of the season. If they wanted to, the Cowboys could elevate him from the practice squad on Saturday.
"I want to be in there, yeah, I don't know," Elliott told reporters when asked if he was surprised at not being called upon in goal-line situations, where he's been very good in his career. "I've talked (to the coaches) a little bit."
Last Sunday, Dowdle might've put an end to the "running back by committee" strategy after a strong performance where he displayed better vision en route to a 87 rushing yard performance while adding 27 receiving yards and a touchdown catch. Dowdle did fumble the ball on second and goal near the end of the game that could've cost the Cowboys the win had Dak Prescott not recovered it in the backfield.
However, Elliott's role is also being affected by the rise of Hunter Luepke, who appears to have earned the coaches' trust as the team's top pass protecting back, another role expected to be filled by Zeke in his return to Dallas.
Now, the question becomes, what does Zeke bring to the table that warrants not even taking a look at what you've got in Dalvin Cook? Keep in mind, Elliott has had some rough moments as well, like straight up ducking when Dak Prescott seemingly threw him the ball in Week 5.
Jerry Jones adds to the Ezekiel Elliott intrigue on Friday
The Cowboys owner was on 105.3 The Fan on Friday and discussed Elliott's role, interestingly claiming the team was "saving Elliott, and we should be." Jones seemed to suggest that they want Elliott to be fresh for later in the season and probably, a playoff run.
These days, it's tough to interpret Jerry Jones' on-air statements but it's quite easy to see why that doesn't make a lot of sense given what we've seen on the field. Elliott isn't magically going to become more explosive in January. The team's best back remains Rico Dowdle and provided he's healthy, that will still be the case come the playoffs. Right now, the Cowboys should be worried about making the postseason in the first place.
Mike McCarthy said earlier in the week that the Cowboys were "probably" going to continue to operate at running back just like they have so far. But as of right now, I think everyone should be wondering if this is the week the team finally elevates Cook. Personally, I think you gotta try something now, mostly because Zeke isn't bringing much to the table.
