Ezekiel Elliott's Unexpected Journey: From Dallas to Los Angeles
In a move that reverberated through the NFL community, three-time Pro Bowler Ezekiel Elliott requested his release from the Dallas Cowboys mere days before their season finale. This decision marked a significant turning point for both Elliott and the Cowboys, given his once-storied impact on the team. The Dallas Cowboys honored the request, officially parting ways with their star running back.
Shortly after his release, Elliott found a new home with the Los Angeles Chargers, albeit on their practice squad. This transition signaled a fresh opportunity for Elliott to potentially rejuvenate his career with an 11-6 Chargers team grappling with injuries in their running back lineup. Both J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards have been struggling with fitness issues, casting doubt over their availability for the team’s upcoming postseason match against the Houston Texans.
Elliott's position on the practice squad may initially seem like a step down for the former first-team All-Pro and top draft pick, but the Chargers could be a strategic landing spot. If Gus Edwards remains sidelined due to his ongoing fitness struggles, it is conceivable that Elliott could get the call to step up to the active roster. Such a development could be crucial for the Chargers, who are looking to fill the void and boost their playoff campaign.
Reflecting on Elliott’s vibrant start to his NFL journey, it is impossible to overlook his explosive entrance as the fourth overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft out of Ohio State. In his rookie season, Elliott led the league with a remarkable 1,631 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns, earning both a first-team All-Pro selection and a Pro Bowl nomination. His performance that year established him as a dominant force in the league and a cornerstone for the Cowboys' offense.
Throughout his first three seasons, Elliott led the NFL in rushing yards per game, reaffirming his status as one of the premier running backs in the game. He even clinched the title for total rushing yards once again in 2018. However, the years since have presented challenges that have impacted his once-unquestioned status as a leading rusher. Since 2021, Elliott has been unable to break the 1,000-yard rushing mark or average more than 3.8 yards per carry, considerably low for someone of his previous calibre.
Elliott's decline in production coincided with the rise of Rico Dowdle, who usurped the Cowboys' lead running back position. Dowdle's emergence was highlighted by his first 1,000-yard rushing season, cementing his role as Dallas's primary ball carrier. Elliott's own numbers in 2024 have not mirrored his early career averages, as he rushed for only 226 yards and three touchdowns, while contributing 69 yards from 12 receptions over 15 games. This diminishing output made his transition from the Cowboys somewhat inevitable.
While Ezekiel Elliott's journey has been fraught with peaks and valleys, his move to the Chargers presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Should he be called up to play in the postseason, it will be a testament to his enduring capability to contribute on the field. For Elliott, a chance to don the Chargers' jersey and make a critical playoff appearance could be a step in reviving what was once an illustrious career.
As the Chargers approach their confrontation with the Texans, all eyes may soon turn to Elliott. If he finds himself on the active roster, it will be an opportunity for redemption and perhaps a new chapter of success in Los Angeles. Only time will tell if this change of scenery can reignite the spark that once made him one of the league's most formidable rushers.