In a decisive move just days before the Dallas Cowboys' season finale, Ezekiel Elliott, a three-time Pro Bowler, requested his release from the team. The Cowboys respected his wishes, setting off a significant turn in Elliott’s career. This decision marked the end of an era for the Cowboys and Elliott, who was a key figure in their backfield since being drafted fourth overall in the 2016 NFL Draft out of Ohio State.
A New Chapter with the Los Angeles Chargers
Soon after his departure from the Cowboys, Elliott found a new opportunity with the Los Angeles Chargers, signing onto their practice squad. For a Chargers team that finished the season with an 11-6 record, his arrival was timely. They have been grappling with injuries to their primary running backs, J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards, throughout the season.
J.K. Dobbins managed an impressive 905 rushing yards and nine touchdowns despite missing several games due to a knee sprain. Gus Edwards, on the other hand, struggled to maintain fitness, further complicating the Chargers' running game. If the situation with Edwards persists, Elliott may be called up to the active roster, potentially contributing in the Chargers' postseason matchup against the Houston Texans.
Elliott's Legacy in Dallas
Ezekiel Elliott's tenure with the Cowboys will be remembered as a tale of brilliance and challenges. He burst onto the NFL scene with a phenomenal rookie season, leading the league in rushing yards with 1,631 and scoring 15 touchdowns. His performances earned him a first-team All-Pro selection and a Pro Bowl appearance, establishing him as one of the elite running backs of his time.
Throughout his first three seasons, Elliott continued to dominate, consistently leading the NFL in rushing yards per game and again topping the league in total rushing yards in 2018. However, since 2021, Elliott's production saw a marked decline. He failed to cross the 1,000-yard rushing threshold and couldn't average more than 3.8 yards per carry, as signs of change began to surface in the Cowboys' backfield dynamics.
This change became more apparent as Elliott lost his lead running back role to Rico Dowdle, who stepped up with a commendable performance, recording his first 1,000-yard rushing season. Meanwhile, Elliott's numbers dwindled. In the 2024 season, he accumulated only 226 rushing yards and three touchdowns, also contributing 69 yards from 12 receptions over 15 games.
A Chance for Redemption
Moving to the Chargers offers Elliott a fresh start. With the potential of stepping into the active roster during the playoffs, he could play a crucial role in their postseason endeavors. His experience and past prowess as a top-tier rusher bring invaluable depth to the Chargers' embattled running back corps.
For Elliott, this transition is more than just a change of scenery. It is an opportunity to reboot his career, demonstrate that he still possesses the skill set that once set him apart, and perhaps reignite a journey toward reclaiming his position among the league's elite running backs.
As Elliott integrates into the Chargers' system, all eyes will be on the veteran running back to see if he can seize this opportunity and impact a team on the brink of playoff success. Whether he can rise to the occasion and deliver in this crucial juncture remains a story yet to be told. What is certain, however, is that Ezekiel Elliott's journey in the NFL is far from over, and his next chapter could very well be his most defining one yet.