Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott led the Cowboys backfield in a Week 1 win over the Cleveland Browns. "Zeke" ran the ball 10 times, gaining 40 yards and scoring a touchdown. He added nine yards on two receptions, catching both of his targets. It was a mostly even split in the backfield between Elliott and Rico Dowdle, who ran eight times. This pattern will likely continue, but will get even more crowded once Dalvin Cook is up to speed and joins the backfield as well. It could be tough to choose what Cowboys running back will be fantasy relevant each week, but Week 2 against the New Orleans Saints could be more illuminating.
Sep 8, 2024 8:36 PM EST
Dallas Cowboys running backs Ezekiel Elliott and Rico Dowdle are expected to operate on a "pretty even split" of touches out of the backfield today, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. It sounds like both players will have significant roles as the Cowboys open their season against the Cleveland Browns. Elliott is a veteran with more starting experience, and he's coming off a solid campaign with the New England Patriots in which he tallied 955 scrimmage yards and five touchdowns. Meanwhile, Dowdle offers youth and is ready to take on an expanded role after totaling 505 yards and four touchdowns in 2023. Unfortunately, if each player is only expected to see around 10-15 touches, it could be difficult for them to have a lot of fantasy value, especially against a solid Browns defense front. Both should be viewed as RB3/FLEX options this week.
Sep 8, 2024 11:14 AM EST
Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott is a risky fantasy play in Week 1 despite having a strong on paper matchup against the Cleveland Browns. The Cowboys backfield is currently one of the murkier ones in the NFL, as Elliott, Rico Dowdle, Dalvin Cook, and even Deuce Vaughn are expected to see the ball. Elliott is a clear Jerry Jones favorite, but out of 49 qualified ball carriers last season, Elliott was 45th in missed tackles and 43rd in yards after contact. He's definitely not the guy he was when he used to play for the Cowboys, leaving him as an RB3 who is likely more of a floor play than anything close to a ceiling.
Sep 5, 2024 3:51 PM EST
Dallas Cowboys running backs Ezekiel Elliott and Rico Dowdle have both gotten their share of first-team reps in training camp this summer. In the joint scrimmage with the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday, Dowdle looked very good with his opportunities. With that said, it might've been the best day of camp so far for Elliott, who was decisive in his cuts. His burst was on display as well to hit running lanes and quickly make it to the second and, at times, to the third level of the defense. Dallas' backfield is becoming a compelling storyline to watch for fantasy managers entering 2024, and Sunday's preseason opener against the Rams should help provide some clarity on this situation. As it stands, Elliott should be deemed the early favorite to lead Cowboys backs in snaps and carries this season, as his value in pass protection figures to be invaluable, while Dowdle remains a late-round sleeper with plenty of upside.
Aug 9, 2024 2:18 PM EST
Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy said the team will use a running-back-by-committee approach in 2024, although the exact members of the committee backfield aren't entirely clear yet. At the very least, it should be veteran Ezekiel Elliott and Rico Dowdle, with Royce Freeman, Deuce Vaughn, Hunter Luepke, Malik Davis, Snoop Conner and rookie Nathaniel Peat competing for roster spots behind them. "Two or three [running backs], whatever it takes," McCarthy said. Elliott has the best credentials with 8,904 career rushing yards, but he won't be asked to do what he did in his first stint with Dallas, when he averaged 268.7 carries per season. He had career-lows in rushing yards (642), touchdowns (three) and carries (184) last year with the Patriots, and those numbers could dip further in 2024 back in Dallas in an RB committee.
Jun 4, 2024 2:14 PM EST
The Dallas Cowboys are bringing back former Pro Bowl running back Ezekiel Elliott, according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero. This has been a developing story in recent weeks, and after Dallas did not pick a running back in the 2024 NFL Draft, their former first-round pick is back with America's Team. In seven seasons with Dallas, Elliott rushed 1,881 times for 8,262 yards and 68 touchdowns. The team let him walk last offseason and elevated Tony Pollard to the RB1 role, but Pollard was underwhelming and left for the Tennessee Titans during free agency this year. Although Zeke averaged a career-low 3.5 yards per carry last season, he could have RB2 value back in Dallas in one of the best offenses in the NFL. Assuming the Cowboys don't add more legitimate competition to the backfield, he should start, and Rico Dowdle should be viewed as a high-end fantasy handcuff in 2024.
Apr 29, 2024 10:25 AM EST
The Dallas Cowboys could draft a running back on Day 2 of the 2024 NFL draft on Friday night with one of their three picks, but that choice won't change the expectation that free-agent running back Ezekiel Elliott will return to Dallas' backfield in 2024 to complement and help mentor a rookie. Dallas Morning News' Michael Gehlken is reporting that Elliott's signing with the Cowboys is increasingly imminent. Elliott's agent met with Dallas on Wednesday, and the Cowboys have been connected with the 28-year-old RB throughout the offseason. The Cowboys lost Tony Pollard to free agency this offseason but have Rico Dowdle and Deuce Vaughn. If Elliott were to return to Big D, he'll be in a complementary role and will be an RB3/flex, at best, in fantasy after putting up a career-low 3.5 yards per carry in 2023 with New England.
Apr 26, 2024 2:07 PM EST
The Dallas Cowboys are currently meeting with free-agent running back Ezekiel Elliott's representatives around the facility on Wednesday, a day before the start of the 2024 NFL draft, according to a source. There has been mutual interest from both sides in a reunion this offseason as the Cowboys look to bolster their running back position after losing Tony Pollard in free agency. As of right now, Dallas' RB room consists of Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn, Malik Davis, Royce Freeman and Snoop Conner. The 28-year-old Elliott had 184 carries for 642 yards (career-low 3.5 yards per carry) and three touchdowns while adding 51 catches for 313 yards and another two scores through the air in 17 games for the New England Patriots in 2023. At this point in his career, Zeke needs volume to be fantasy relevant, and that probably won't happen if he returns to Dallas.
Apr 24, 2024 8:07 PM EST
Free-agent running back Ezekiel Elliott and the Dallas Cowboys may be headed toward a reunion. Elliott played for the New England Patriots during the 2023 NFL season, the only season of his nine-year career that he was not a member of the Dallas Cowboys. Dallas has a need at the running back position after they let Tony Pollard leave via free-agency, making Elliott a good fit to return to the team. Elliott ran for 642 yards and three touchdowns for the Pats last season while splitting the backfield with Rhamondre Stevenson. Depending on whether Dallas addresses the RB position in the NFL draft, Elliott would immediately have high-end RB3/flex value if he lands with his former team.
Mar 30, 2024 6:37 PM EST
New England Patriots running back Ezekiel Elliott rushed 13 times for 54 yards during Sunday's loss to the New York Jets. He also caught five of seven targets for an additional 27 yards through the air. The veteran running back logged yet another start with Rhamondre Stevenson (ankle) sidelined and maintained a key role as unfavorable weather conditions interrupted the passing attack. He was particularly impactful in PPR leagues where he added extra points for his five catches. He's headed for free agency where he'll likely earn a spot in a committee or split backfield.
Jan 7, 2024 8:08 PM EST
New England Patriots running back Ezekiel Elliott will continue to operate as the lead running back for Week 18 against the New York Jets with Rhamondre Stevenson (ankle) sidelined. Elliott has produced inconsistent results on the ground this year, but his impressive pass-catching role and red-zone usage allow him to sneak into the RB2 tier for fantasy purposes. He remains a solid option this Sunday, especially with a strong Jets secondary and poor weather conditions likely prompting the Patriots to run more than pass. Fantasy managers should feel comfortable starting Elliott in most formats.
Jan 6, 2024 9:24 PM EST
New England Patriots running back Ezekiel Elliott rushed 14 times for 39 yards and one touchdown during Sunday's loss to the Buffalo Bills. He also caught one of two targets for a gain of six yards through the air. The veteran running back has filled in admirably for Rhamondre Stevenson (ankle), though he did take a major step back in the passing attack on Sunday. He had been averaging 6.3 catches over his last four games before this week's one-reception performance. Nevertheless, he salvaged his fantasy performance by finding the end zone and should continue to be viewed as a low-end RB2 option against the New York Jets during next week's season finale.
Jan 1, 2024 10:08 AM EST
New England Patriots running back Ezekiel Elliott (illness) logged a full practice on Friday and has been removed from the final injury report. He will play versus the Buffalo Bills, ranking as a solid RB2 option in most fantasy leagues. The 28-year-old has looked great operating as the Patriots' top running back with Rhamondre Stevenson sidelined. In particular, he has been a key pass-catching threat over his last four games, garnering 30 targets, 25 receptions, 166 receiving yards, and two touchdowns during that span. He should continue to be started in most leagues while operating as one of Bailey Zappe's top options in the passing attack.
Dec 29, 2023 5:27 PM EST
New England Patriots running back Ezekiel Elliott (illness) was out sick at practice on Thursday. Elliott's status now bears watching for Week 17 against the Buffalo Bills this Sunday, but he should be fine to suit up. Rhamondre Stevenson (ankle) is now on Injured Reserve, ensuring that Zeke will finish out the 2023 season as New England's workhorse back. The 28-year-old veteran has looked better this year for the Patriots, but he hasn't been very efficient on the ground in recent weeks. He's salvaged his fantasy lines the last three games by catching 21 of 25 targets for 126 yards and two touchdowns. As long as Elliott plays this weekend, which he should, he will remain in play as a low-end RB2 in a weak offense against a rising defense. In Week 7 against Buffalo, Elliott had 11 carries for 31 yards rushing and his second rushing touchdown of the year.
Dec 28, 2023 5:03 PM EST
New England Patriots running back Ezekiel Elliott rushed 12 times for just 27 yards during Sunday's win over the Denver Broncos. He was much more productive through the air, turning 11 targets into nine catches, 33 receiving yards, and one touchdown. The veteran continued to see a very heavy workload with Rhamondre Stevenson (sidelined), once again emerging as one of Bailey Zappe's favorite targets in the passing game. Even though his yardage totals weren't great, he salvaged his fantasy showing with the touchdown and nine receptions. Fantasy managers should continue to view Elliott as a low-end RB2 option for the duration of Stevenson's absence.
Dec 24, 2023 11:43 PM EST
New England Patriots running back Ezekiel Elliott could benefit from a favorable matchup against the Denver Broncos on Sunday evening. The veteran has made two starts in place of Rhamondre Stevenson (ankle) but produced mixed results. In fact, he totaled 140 yards and one touchdown in Week 14 before being held to just 46 carries last Sunday. With that said, he should bounce back this week with a much more favorable matchup on tap. The Broncos have struggled to defend the run, allowing the most rushing yards per game (129.0) and the second-most fantasy points per game (22.2) to opposing running backs. Just last week, Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery ran wild on Denver, amassing 190 total yards and two touchdowns. Needless to say, Elliott, with this backfield all to himself, is a viable RB2 option for fantasy football.
Dec 23, 2023 11:56 PM EST
New England Patriots running back Ezekiel Elliott rushed 11 times for just 25 yards during Sunday's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. On a more positive note, he also caught four of five targets for an additional 21 yards through the air. While the veteran did take a major step back from his breakout game in Week 14, he still flashed something that should give fantasy managers optimism: a significant role in the receiving game. Elliott now has 16 catches for 133 yards over his last three games alone. In PPR leagues, that should keep him in the low-end RB2 tier for Week 16 against the Denver Broncos, assuming Rhamondre Stevenson (ankle) remains sidelined.
Dec 17, 2023 10:59 PM EST
New England Patriots running back Ezekiel Elliott should operate as the team's workhorse option out of the backfield against the Kansas City Chiefs after Rhamondre Stevenson (ankle) was ruled out for the second consecutive week. In his first Patriots start last week, Elliott exploded for 29 touches, 150 scrimmage yards, and one touchdown, proving that he can still be very productive in his age-28 season. Not only does he fight for yards on the ground, but the veteran has also carved out a key pass-catching role, totaling 11 receptions over the last two weeks. With extreme upside as a dual-threat weapon in a Patriots offense that lacks star power, Elliott firmly belongs in the fantasy RB2 tier.
Dec 17, 2023 1:19 AM EST
New England Patriots running back Ezekiel Elliott rushed 22 times for 68 yards during Thursday's upset win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was also quite impressive in the passing game, catching seven of eight targets for 72 receiving yards and one touchdown. The veteran running back saw a drastically increased role in Week 14 with Rhamondre Stevenson (ankle) sidelined and wasted no time getting involved. Elliott was the Patriots' top weapon on offense and has delivered key production as a pass-catcher midway through his age-28 season. Even with a trickier matchup against the Chiefs on tap, Elliott will remain a low-end fantasy RB2 option in Week 15.
Dec 7, 2023 11:25 PM EST
New England Patriots running back Ezekiel Elliott will operate as the team's No. 1 running back on Thursday night versus the Pittsburgh Steelers after Rhamondre Stevenson (ankle) was ruled out. While JaMycal Hasty and Ty Montgomery may earn a few snaps, this backfield belongs to Elliott and he could log around 20 touches, much like he did last week versus the Los Angeles Chargers. As the Patriots' passing game continues to falter, expect them to go run-heavy against a Steelers team that is also struggling to find its identity on offense. Pittsburgh's defense is allowing 4.24 YPC to running backs this season, meaning Elliott could have a big game. He's also an appealing option in short-yardage passing situations and around the goal line. Fantasy managers should view him as a mid-to-low RB2 for the time being.
Dec 6, 2023 7:21 PM EST
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