One thing will be different when it comes to the Dallas Cowboys in 2023. For the first time in seven years, running back Ezekiel Elliott won't be on the roster.

Elliott was released back in March. So, the upcoming season will see Tony Pollard, who led the team with 1,007 rushing yards in 2022, take his place at the top of the running back food chain in Dallas. 

The Cowboys moving on from Elliott certainly wasn't an easy decision for them considering how productive he was for most of his career. It didn't happen because he couldn't play anymore, regardless of what some say.

"I don't think you can just go out and replace Zeke," said head coach Mike McCarthy last week during OTAs. "Business, capanomics, that's real. You have to make decisions and sometimes those decisions factor into the next decision or two that's coming down the road. The coaching staff was going over short-yardage and goal line again last night and Zeke just jumps off the tape, so this isn't about replacing Zeke."

Elliott thrived in that area last season. 

Pollard may have led in rushing yards but Elliott had the most rushing touchdowns with 12, and the majority of them were down near the goal line. While that was extremely valuable to the Cowboys, along with his leadership in the locker room, Elliott’s production overall for the last several years hasn't matched the salary he was bringing in (was set to make $10.9 million in 2023).

After the release of Elliott, the Cowboys signed veteran Ronald Jones, re-signed Rico Dowdle, and drafted Deuce Vaughn in the sixth round. Thrown in Malik Davis and rookie Hunter Luepke, there's a lot of young talent at running back that the Cowboys have to evaluate. 

"It's really about opportunities for our young guys," McCarthy said. "It's Tony's opportunity to be the lead back, so we're just getting all of those guys ready. Deuce is the new guy and it's been cool to see him implemented in the things that we've been doing here the last week. The group will look different because [Zeke's] presence is not there."

Financial ramifications and youth are what led to the departure of Elliott, nothing more.

Feature image via Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports