Ezekiel Elliott Moves from Dallas to Los Angeles Amidst Running Back Challenges
In a surprising move leading up to the NFL season finale, three-time Pro Bowler Ezekiel Elliott parted ways with the Dallas Cowboys, igniting a fresh chapter in his professional career. Elliott, known for his explosive start in the NFL, requested his release from the Cowboys, a decision promptly honored by the Dallas-based team. Soon after, Elliott found himself on the Los Angeles Chargers' practice squad, stepping into a team facing a running back crisis.
The Chargers, boasting an 11-6 record, have been stalled by persistent injuries among their key running backs. J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards have struggled with health issues, leaving the team in need of a reliable replacement as they head into the postseason. Dobbins, who impressed with 905 rushing yards and nine touchdowns this season, was sidelined in several games due to a knee sprain. Similarly, Edwards battled to maintain fitness throughout the season.
Enter Ezekiel Elliott, a dynamic force who has consistently proven his rushing prowess. Selected fourth overall in the 2016 NFL Draft out of Ohio State, Elliott's rookie season was nothing short of spectacular. Leading the league with 1,631 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns, he earned both a first-team All-Pro selection and a Pro Bowl nod, setting the stage for what many anticipated would be a stellar NFL career.
During his first three seasons, Elliott dominated with the highest rushing yards per game, and he once again topped the league in total rushing yards in 2018. However, the tide turned for Elliott beginning in 2021, as his performance metrics noticeably dipped. Unable to surpass the 1,000-yard rushing milestone or exceed an average of 3.8 yards per carry, Elliott found himself losing the lead running back position with the Cowboys to up-and-comer Rico Dowdle.
Dowdle's ascent in the Cowboys lineup saw him achieve his first 1,000-yard rushing season, underlining Elliott's diminished role in Dallas. In the 2024 season, Elliott managed just 226 rushing yards and three touchdowns over 15 games, with an additional 69 yards from 12 receptions. This marked a stark contrast to the heights of his early career.
Now with the Chargers, Elliott has a chance for a resurgence, possibly stepping back onto the field sooner than later. If Gus Edwards is unable to play, Elliott may be elevated to the active roster for the postseason clash against the Houston Texans. Such an opportunity could provide Elliott with a platform to demonstrate once again the skills that made him one of the league's premier running backs.
As the Chargers navigate their injury-laden backfield, Elliott's presence on the practice squad may turn into a strategic advantage. While his recent performance levels have been underwhelming, his seasoned experience and past accolades cannot be underestimated. For Elliott, this transition represents more than a mere geographical shift—it is a pivotal moment to redefine his NFL narrative, contributing to a team striving for postseason success amid adversity.
The coming weeks will be critical, not just for the Chargers' aspirations but for Elliott's career trajectory. If afforded the chance, the veteran running back will aim to leverage his deep postseason experience to boost the Chargers' run game and potentially rejuvenate his standing in the league. As the playoff stage looms, all eyes will be on this potential comeback story, reminding fans and analysts alike of the unpredictable nature of sports careers and the enduring spirit of elite athletes.