Ezekiel Elliott To Be Involved In Committee In Return To Dallas
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ezekiel Elliott Remains Heavily Involved In Week 18
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.
Ezekiel Elliott Remains Appealing Fantasy Option As Lead Back
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.
Ezekiel Elliott Salvages Week 17 Outing With Touchdown
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.
Ezekiel Elliott Remains Appealing Option For Week 17
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.
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.
