Cowboys' reunion year with Ezekiel Elliott comes to an end in head-scratching fashion ahead of Week 18
The moment the Dallas Cowboys signed Ezekiel Elliott to a one-year deal, the reunion felt like one that shouldn't have happened in the first place. Now, prior to the regular season finale, the team is releasing Elliott, per CBS' Josina Anderson. The news comes as a surprise, not because of Elliott's production this year, which has […]
The moment the Dallas Cowboys signed Ezekiel Elliott to a one-year deal, the reunion felt like one that shouldn't have happened in the first place.
Now, prior to the regular season finale, the team is releasing Elliott, per CBS' Josina Anderson.
The news comes as a surprise, not because of Elliott's production this year, which has been well below average, but because of the timing of it. Why now? According to Anderson's report, Elliott requested his release leading up to Week 18.
It's a head-scratching move from Zeke to have requested the release in the first place given how his year is going. Right off the bat, logic would suggest it's an attempt to land on a playoff bound team. But after a career low 3.1 yards per attempt on top of a couple of years averaging under four yards per carry, it would be a long shot for him to get the chance.
Per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, "Dallas wanted to provide him the opportunity to pursue any potential playoff opportunities."
What is true is that Elliott didn't appear to be too happy with his role on the Cowboys. Earlier in the season, Zeke admitted he had talked to the coaching staff about his position on the rotation, which led to an increased workload the following week. He was also disciplined by the team and sent home after missing practice and being habitually late to team meetings.
Meanwhile, Rico Dowdle's play was clearly superior and the best chance for the offense to move the ball on the ground. Dowdle ranks eighth in success rate among NFL running backs this season and is averaging 4.7 yards per attempt.
For Elliott to become a free agent, he'll have to clear waivers first, which he's expected to do as we enter Week 18.
For the Cowboys, it'll be all about Dowdle and potentially second-year running back Deuce Vaughn, who has been a healthy scratch for a good chunk of the season.
