Key Changes for Ezekiel Elliott Amid the 2024 NFL Season
In a surprising turn of events during the final stretch of the 2024 NFL season, three-time Pro Bowler Ezekiel Elliott made headlines by requesting his release from the Dallas Cowboys just days before their season finale. The Cowboys, recognizing Elliott's contributions and his future aspirations, ultimately honored this request, marking the end of an era for the accomplished running back and the franchise alike.
After parting ways with the Cowboys, Elliott wasted no time finding a new home. He quickly signed with the Los Angeles Chargers' practice squad. This swift transition underscores not only Elliott's value in the league but also the acute need of the Chargers, who faced a mounting series of injuries in their backfield.
The Chargers, boasting an 11-6 record, appeared poised for a postseason run, yet their running game has been plagued by injuries. Both J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards, formidable rushers for the team, have dealt with fitness challenges. Dobbins, who managed an impressive 905 yards and nine touchdowns during the season, missed critical time due to a knee sprain. Meanwhile, Edwards has been battling to maintain his physical condition amidst various setbacks. Elliott's arrival provides a crucial contingency plan, potentially bringing much-needed stability to the Chargers' offense.
Should further injuries sideline Gus Edwards, Elliott's experience and expertise could prove invaluable as he might be called up to contribute in pivotal games, including the looming postseason matchup against the Houston Texans. This opportunity presents Elliott with a chance to reinvoke the dynamic form he exhibited earlier in his career.
Reflecting on Elliott's career trajectory, his journey has been nothing short of impressive. Drafted fourth overall in the 2016 NFL Draft out of Ohio State, Elliott made an immediate impact, leading the league in rushing with 1,631 yards and 15 touchdowns during his rookie season. Such remarkable achievements earned him a first-team All-Pro selection and a Pro Bowl nod, setting the stage for what seemed like a destined Hall of Fame career.
Throughout his first three seasons, Elliott consistently led the NFL in rushing yards per game, further cementing his reputation as a powerhouse running back. He even repeated his feat of leading the league in total rushing in 2018. However, post-2020, Elliott experienced a dip in his performance, symbolized by his struggle to cross the 1,000-yard threshold or average beyond 3.8 yards per carry since 2021.
This shift resulted in Elliott losing his position as the lead running back for the Cowboys to Rico Dowdle. Dowdle’s emergence was highlighted by him achieving his first 1,000-yard rushing season, showcasing the competitive nature of the Cowboys' backfield.
In the 2024 season, Elliott's production figures reflected his diminished role, with 226 rushing yards and three touchdowns to his credit, along with 69 receiving yards from 12 receptions across 15 games. These statistics echo the challenge many veteran players face, balancing physical prowess with the inevitable passage of time.
Elliott's move to the Chargers offers him a chance to redefine his later career stage, contributing to a team with playoff aspirations. The Chargers see Elliott not just as a temporary fix but as a player who can leverage his accumulated knowledge and skill to become a strategic asset in their postseason journey. As Elliott steps into this new chapter, NFL fans will be keenly observing whether the once-dominant running back can recapture and sustain his former glory under California's bright lights.