Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott may be looking for a bigger role in the team’s backfield.
Elliott told Cowboys reporter Clarence Hill Jr. on Thursday that he had spoken privately with coaches about his backfield role recently. Hill added that Elliott is “dumbfounded” by his lack of usage as a goal line or red zone back in recent weeks.
Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott confirmed he has talked to the coaches about his role and remains dumbfounded by his lack of opportunities at least as red zone back
— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) October 10, 2024
Elliott and Rico Dowdle had essentially been locked in a timeshare to start the season, but Dowdle has seen his role increase in the last few weeks. Dowdle is coming off his best game of the year against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 5, as he rushed 20 times for 87 yards in a 20-17 win. He also fumbled at the goal line, however, the exact sort of situation Elliott seemingly believes he should be getting looks in.
Elliott has 30 carries on the season for 98 yards with a touchdown. He ran for 40 yards on 10 carries in the season opener and has not tallied 20 yards in a game since.
The Cowboys pursued a reunion with Elliott in the offseason, but even when the year started, he was operating out of a backfield committee. Through five weeks, Dowdle has simply outperformed him.
