Ezekiel Elliott

Dallas Cowboys
Running Back #21
Dallas Cowboys
Running Back #21
iconsportswire.com

Ezekiel Elliott News

Does little against Washington

Elliott carried the ball eight times for 10 yards and failed to catch either of his targets in Sunday's 26-6 loss to the Commanders.

Analysis: No Dallas running back gained more than 19 yards in what was an abysmal performance for the entire offense. Elliott completes his seventh NFL season with a career-low 876 rushing yards and 968 scrimmage yards, but his 12 rushing TDs helped keep his fantasy value afloat. Up next for the Cowboys is a date with the Buccaneers in the wild-card round, and with Dak Prescott's issues with interceptions continuing Sunday, Dallas could lean heavily on Elliott and Tony Pollard out of the backfield.

Jan 8, 2023 8:29 PM EST


Salvages night with TD

Elliott rushed 19 times for 37 yards and a touchdown in the Cowboys' 27-13 win over the Titans on Thursday night.

Analysis: Elliott's stat line underscores how difficult running room was to come by against a Titans defense that's been elite against ground attacks all season but that was also playing very short-handed Thursday. The veteran had a path to more touches than usual with Tony Pollard (thigh) inactive, but had it not been for Elliott's one-yard scoring run late in the first quarter, his night would have been a total fantasy washout. Elliott is likely to be back to a timeshare arrangement with Pollard in a Week 18 road matchup against the Commanders a week from Sunday, and both backs could see an abbreviated workload if Dallas has nothing to gain in terms of postseason positioning.

Dec 29, 2022 8:52 PM EST



On tap for lead role Thursday

Elliott is in line to serve as the Cowboys' undisputed No. 1 back in Thursday's game against the Titans with Tony Pollard (thigh) listed as questionable but set to be inactive for the contest, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: Pollard won't be officially ruled out for the contest until Dallas releases its inactive list 90 minutes before the 8:15 p.m. ET kickoff, but his absence frees up Elliott for more work after he handled no more than 52 percent of the Cowboys' snaps on offense in any of his six appearances since returning Week 11 from a two-game absence due to a right knee injury. That being said, Dallas enters Thursday's game as heavy favorites over a Titans squad that will be starting its third-string quarterback (Joshua Dobbs) and resting or holding out several key players with injuries, so it's possible that Elliott ends up sitting for a large portion of the second half if the Cowboys have mounted a sizable lead. Even if that comes to fruition, Elliott would likely have some role in Dallas amassing its lead, so he profiles as a stronger option than usual in fantasy lineups with Pollard out of the equation.

Dec 29, 2022 10:09 AM EST


Another touchdown in Week 16 win

Elliott rushed 16 times for 58 yards and a touchdown and brought in his only target for six yards in the Cowboys' 40-34 win over the Eagles on Saturday.

Analysis: Elliott outpaced Pollard by seven carries and also cashed in on a red-zone opportunity with a one-yard touchdown run late in the first quarter. Elliott continues to frequently be the beneficiary of short-range scoring opportunities after Tony Pollard gets Dallas close to the goal line, as was the case Saturday when the latter gained the preceding 17 yards on a nine-yard pass and eight-yard run. The veteran back now has 10 rushing touchdowns in the last eight games, making him an extremely valuable fantasy asset going into a Week 17 road battle versus the Titans on Thursday night.

Dec 24, 2022 6:08 PM EST


Finds end zone again

Elliott rushed the ball 16 times for 58 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 40-34 loss to the Jaguars. He added two receptions on two targets for 13 yards.

Analysis: Elliott looked to be in line for a big game, as he tallied 41 total yards and a touchdown on Dallas' first two offensive possessions. However, he managed only 13 yards on seven carries in the second half to turn in a solid, yet unspectacular performance. Positively, Elliott remains a force near the goal line, as he now has at least one touchdown in seven consecutive games and has 10 on the season.

Dec 18, 2022 2:59 PM EST



Tallies ninth touchdown

Elliott rushed the ball 15 times for 62 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 27-23 win over the Texans. He added three receptions on five targets for 19 yards.

Analysis: Elliott led the Cowboys' backfield, racking up 18 total touches compared to Tony Pollard's 14 touches. Elliott tallied the game-winning score on a two-yard touchdown plunge with 0:41 left in the game -- his ninth trip to the end of the season. He had a chance to score earlier in the game but was stuffed on four consecutive runs inside the eight-yard line. Though he shares the backfield with Pollard, Elliott has had an extremely steady workload by getting between 15 and 17 rushing attempts in each of his last four games.

Dec 11, 2022 3:01 PM EST


Stays hot with another TD

Elliott rushed 17 times for 77 yards and a touchdown against the Colts on Sunday. He also caught all three of his targets for 14 yards in a 54-19 blowout win.

Analysis: Elliott continued his recent run of success with his fourth trip to the end zone in just three games since returning from injury. Tony Pollard (12/91/2) also feasted on the Colts as Dallas had its thunder and lightning backfield on full display for a national audience. The veteran of the tandem has looked rejuvenated in 2022, averaging 4.2 yards per carry to go along with eight scores through 10 games. Zeke should be able to continue eating when the Cowboys host the Texans on Sunday in a game they should be heavily favored in.

Dec 4, 2022 10:29 PM EST


Gets into end zone Thursday

Elliott carried the ball 16 times for 92 yards and a touchdown and caught his only target for three yards in Thursday's 28-20 win over the Giants.

Analysis: He scored Dallas' only TD of the first half on a six-yard run early in the second quarter, and Elliott out-gained Tony Pollard for the first time since Week 6 while leading the club in rushing. The 92 rushing yards were a season high for Zeke, and he's scored six touchdowns over his last four games, although he was sidelined for two games in the middle of that stretch with a sore knee. He appears to be 100 percent healthy ahead of a Week 13 tilt against the Colts.

Nov 24, 2022 5:40 PM EST


Ready for Thursday

Elliott (knee) doesn't have a designation for Thursday's game against the Giants, Adam Caplan of SiriusXM NFL Radio reports.

Analysis: After opening Week 12 prep with back-to-back limited listings on Cowboys injury reports, Elliott logged a full session Wednesday, effectively clearing him to play Thursday. In his return from a two-game absence this past Sunday at Minnesota, Elliott started but got a smaller snap count (39-21) than fellow running back Tony Pollard. Both players got in on the act in a 40-3 win, but Elliott's 16 touches went for 47 yards from scrimmage and two rushing TDs, while Pollard's 21 touches resulted in 189 total yards and two receiving scores. It remains to be seen if the breakdown of playing time will begin to tilt back to Elliott, like it did before he suffered a sprained MCL back in Week 7.

Nov 23, 2022 12:29 PM EST


Stays limited Tuesday

Elliott (knee) practiced in a limited fashion Tuesday, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: Elliott has maintained limited listings on back-to-back injury reports, which is no surprise with the Cowboys on a short week and the running back himself playing for the first time since Week 7 this past Sunday at Minnesota. During the 40-3 win, he tallied 16 touches for 47 yards from scrimmage and two rushing TDs on a 30 percent share of the snaps. Meanwhile, fellow running back Tony Pollard had 21 touches for 189 total yards and two receiving scores of his own. Assuming Elliott is able to suit up Thursday versus the Giants, he should be afforded his fair share of looks alongside Pollard out of Dallas' backfield.

Nov 22, 2022 1:23 PM EST


Limited during Monday's walkthrough

Elliott (knee) was listed as a limited participant on Monday's estimated injury report, Adam Caplan of SiriusXM NFL Radio reports.

Analysis: The Cowboys held a walkthrough Monday, so the injury report is simply an estimate. Given Elliott returned from a two-game absence and saw 16 touches Sunday, it's a positive sign to see him participate at all the following day. Despite the injury designation, the veteran running back doesn't appear to be in any danger of missing the Thanksgiving tilt against the Giants, but he'll likely continuing splitting carries with Tony Pollard, who's been lights out over the last three weeks.

Nov 21, 2022 2:19 PM EST


Returns with two trips to end zone

Elliott (knee) rushed 15 times for 42 yards and two touchdowns and caught his lone target for five yards in Sunday's 40-3 win over the Vikings.

Analysis: Elliott picked up where he left off prior to a two-game absence with his second two-score performance in as many contests. The 27-year-old split carries evenly with Tony Pollard (15/80/0), with the latter scoring a pair of touchdowns as a receiver. Elliott doesn't possess the big-play ability of his faster position mate, but he was clearly superior at the goal line on his two attempts from in short (Pollard was stuffed twice from one yard out Sunday). Both of Dallas' backs are worthy of starting in fantasy heading into a traditional Thanksgiving tilt against the Giants on Thursday.

Nov 20, 2022 5:40 PM EST


Back in action Sunday

Elliott (knee) is listed as active Sunday at Minnesota, Michael Gehlken of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Analysis: Elliott is available for the first time since Week 7, when he initially suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain and a thigh bruise. Benefitting from a Week 9 bye, he'll miss just two games as a result, but his workload Sunday remains to be seen as he plays with a brace on his right knee. Tony Pollard fared well in place of Elliott during the latter's absence, recording 275 yards from scrimmage and four rushing TDs on 40 touches. Consequently, Elliott could play second fiddle to Pollard out of the Cowboys backfield, a reality that makes him tough to trust for production.

Nov 20, 2022 12:00 PM EST


Expected to play Sunday

Elliott (knee) is expected to play Sunday against the Vikings, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: Official confirmation of Elliott's status will arrive when the Cowboys' inactives are posted ahead of Sunday's 4:25 ET kickoff, but Pelissero relays that the running back is in line to rejoin his team's backfield after missing two straight games. In his anticipated return, Elliott is slated to play with a brace on his knee, with the report suggesting that fellow RB Tony Pollard figures to see his share of touches in Week 11, as Elliott is re-introduced to the mix.

Nov 20, 2022 7:29 AM EST


Trending towards playing

The Cowboys did not elevate a running back from the practice squad, signifying Elliott (knee) is expected to play Sunday against the Vikings, Michael Gehlken of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Analysis: This seems to be the natural conclusion after both head coach Mike McCarthy and team president Jerry Jones both commented the veteran would play this week. It's worth pointing out Elliott was also "on track" to play Week 10 against the Packers and then reports surfaced shortly before the game that he'd be inactive, so fantasy managers should stay diligent and check reports leading up to the 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff. Elliott hasn't played since Week 8 due to a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his right knee, and it's possible the Cowboys could limit the 27-year-old given Tony Pollard's (36-246-4) success over the aforementioned time period.

Nov 19, 2022 11:18 AM EST


Listed as questionable

Elliott (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Vikings, Adam Caplan of SiriusXM NFL Radio reports.

Analysis: Coach Mike McCarthy and team president Jerry Jones both said Friday that they expect Elliott to play. The running back was a limited practice participant Wednesday through Friday, and potential outcomes for Sunday include being active but handling a lesser role than he's accustomed to. The Cowboys and Vikings are scheduled for a 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff, with Tony Pollard likely taking on a large workload in the event Elliott is inactive for a third straight game. The Cowboys apparently don't expect that to happen, but fantasy managers should still keep an eye on the situation given Elliott's injury designation and limited practice participation.

Nov 18, 2022 12:57 PM EST


Expected to suit up vs. Vikings

Coach Mike McCarthy said Friday he expects Elliott (knee) to play versus Minnesota on Sunday, Clarence E. Hill Jr. of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Analysis: Elliott is coming off back-to-back limited practice sessions, and while he could still carry an injury tag into Sunday's contest, it appears the Cowboys expect to have him back in action for the first time since Week 7. Tony Pollard has thrived in a lead role, with 100-plus rushing yards in each of Dallas' last two games, so it will be worth monitoring whether Elliott is still feeling any lingering effects from his Grade 2 right MCL sprain. Elliott has said he plans to wear a brace on his right knee, and the Cowboys will next have to look ahead to a short week before taking on the Giants on Thanksgiving Day.

Nov 18, 2022 8:19 AM EST


Remains limited at practice

Elliott (knee) practiced in a limited fashion Thursday, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: On the heels of consecutive capped sessions to kick off Week 11 prep, Elliott spoke to the media Thursday, telling Jon Machota of The Athletic that he's "definitely very optimistic about this week. Barring any setbacks the next couple of days, I feel good. ... I think I'm in a good spot." Elliott added that he intends to wear a brace on his right knee, which is recovering from a Grade 2 MCL sprain that he picked up back in Week 7. Friday's injury report will reveal whether or not he has a designation ahead of Sunday's game at Minnesota.

Nov 17, 2022 1:05 PM EST


Limited in practice

Elliott (knee) was a limited practice participant Wednesday, Patrick Walker of the Cowboys' official site reports.

Analysis: Elliott was a limited participant in every practice last week and didn't end up playing in an eventual loss to the Packers. Coach Mike McCarthy said Wednesday that an upcoming Thanksgiving game and the short week won't have any impact on the active/inactive decision this Sunday at Minnesota, telling reporters that Elliott will play if he's ready, per Todd Archer of ESPN.com.

Nov 16, 2022 2:34 PM EST


Inactive in Week 10

Elliott (knee) is inactive for Sunday's Week 10 clash against the Packers,

Analysis: Optimism surrounded Elliott's status earlier in the week, but the veteran running back's outlook seemingly worsened entering the weekend. The Cowboys indicated they'd err on the side of caution if there were any doubts about Elliott's health, and the first consecutive absence of his career now confirmed, Tony Pollard, who turned in a 131-yard, three-touchdown effort on 14 carries in the lead role against the Bears in Week 8, will once again be in line to help Dallas' backfield versus Green Bay, with Malik Davis and practice-squad callup Qadree Ollison on hand as complementary options. Elliott's next opportunity to take the field will come in a Week 11 clash against the Vikings.

Nov 13, 2022 12:01 PM EST


News powered by