Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott seems frustrated with his limited playing time. Clarence Hill Jr. from ALL CITY DLLS described Elliott as “dumbfounded” by the reduced snaps and touches at the start of the season.
“Elliott confirmed he has spoken to the coaches about his role and remains puzzled by his lack of opportunities, particularly in the red zone,” Hill reported on X on October 10, 2024.
Elliott has not exceeded six carries since Week 1, managing just 6 carries for 17 yards in the Cowboys’ Week 5 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Over the past two games, he has combined for only 11 carries. Hill added that despite Elliott’s frustration, he is not trying to stir up controversy.
“For clarification, this is not a selfish complaint. Elliott simply responded to the questions asked of him,” Hill explained. “He’s kept his head down, supported his teammates, and remained patient without making it about himself.
“Head coach Mike McCarthy mentioned Elliott has been excellent in practice, and the running back continues to meet his media obligations weekly despite his reduced role. He’s not complaining but did suggest reporters direct their questions to the coaches. Elliott’s focus remains on his work.”
Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones Calls the Report on Ezekiel Elliott an ‘Exaggeration’
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones claims the team is conserving Elliott for later in the season.
Instead, Dallas has leaned on Rico Dowdle, whose performance has been mixed. Dowdle had a breakout game in Week 5 against the Steelers, rushing for 87 yards on 20 carries. Before that game, Dowdle hadn’t surpassed 50 yards in a single contest.
Jones further muddied the situation by insisting the Cowboys are merely preserving Elliott’s energy for the long season ahead. He also downplayed Hill’s report, calling it an “exaggeration.”
“That’s an exaggeration. ‘Dumbfounded’ is a mischaracterization and doesn’t reflect how he really feels,” Jones said in an October 11 interview with 105.3 The Fan’s “K&C Masterpiece.” “We’re resting him, which is smart. Rico is a fantastic running back, but his biggest issue has been staying healthy. He’s had injuries throughout his career. … It would be foolish to rely on him entirely, and Zeke is there, ready when we need him.”
The Cowboys’ Minimal Offseason Moves at Running Back
Re-signing Elliott was one of the few moves the Cowboys made in the running back department this offseason. The team opted not to draft a running back despite Tony Pollard signing with the Tennessee Titans in free agency.
Dallas also brought in Royce Freeman, though he didn’t make the final roster. Elliott returned to the Cowboys on a one-year, $2 million deal. The team also signed Dalvin Cook, who has yet to take the field this season.
