It's been a minute since the Dallas Cowboys brought back Ezekiel Elliott, but considering the preparations leading up to it happening, it's felt like a reality for much longer than that. Given Elliott's history with the team, that feels even less strange than usual. Zeke has been in the NFL for nine seasons, spending all but the most recent season with America's Team. Just because he was somewhere else in 2023 doesn't mean the difference is night and day established, so his return is pretty normal.
That being said, given that the Cowboys opted not to participate early in free agency at the running back position and left the league (intentionally or coincidentally) in 2024, Elliott's return to Dallas seems unlikely. “How we got here” is somewhat noteworthy. NFL Draft with no rookies. It seems like their compass has always pointed in this direction, but you certainly have to make a few assumptions about it.
But even if that happened, Elliott returned to the team. When he first returned, it seemed like he was meant to play a complementary role in the overall rushing attack, but as the weeks went on, that wording changed a bit.
Mike McCarthy took to the stage Saturday and said Zeke's physical ability looks as good as it has in the past and that he will be a key running back by committee role.
Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy said of Ezekiel Elliott: “We're set back by committee, but I think he'll definitely play at the level he's played at the level he's played in his time here, which I know.” I expect that. There is no sign of any slowdown in his movements. he is doing well. …He came here,…
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) May 11, 2024
Coach McCarthy did not use the word “workload,” instead saying that Zeke would “play at the level he has been playing” with the team in regards to the actual game.
Mike McCarthy said it's not “fair” to ask Ezekiel Elliott to run the ball as much as he did during his first tenure with the Cowboys. “That's not going to be his role. We're going to be a running back by committee.” But he said he doesn't see any slowdown in Elliott's movement. pic.twitter.com/BpsopSlstl
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) May 11, 2024
The last time we looked at Zeke's feature, he had the fewest carries ever in a Cowboys uniform (231 in the 2022 season), and a big reason for that was Tony. Pollard was also getting a lot of reps.
It remains to be seen whether Rico Doodle or Deuce Vaughn (no disrespect to Lois Freeman or anyone else) could be that person. Overall, the depth at this position is relatively shallow, and even if Dallas is fine with Zeke as their primary option, they should continue to add to it, especially if they don't want to give Zeke a huge workload. is emphasized.