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Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott has only amassed 14 touches over the past three weeks, or eight fewer than backfield mate Rico Dowdle had in one game Sunday in a 20-17 road win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Per Clarence Hill of DLLS Sports, Elliott is apparently “dumbfounded” by his lack of opportunities and has spoken to coaches regarding his role.
Clarence Hill Jr@clarencehilljr
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
Elliott has rushed for a career-low 3.3 yards per carry (98 yards on 30 carries). He’s also caught just six passes for 36 yards.
Dowdle, the team’s No. 1 running back at this juncture, has been more efficient and productive. He’s rushed for 221 yards on 54 carries (4.1 YPC) and caught 11 passes for 101 yards.
Elliott was once one of the NFL’s top running backs. The three-time Pro Bowler and one-time All-Pro led the league in rushing yards in his rookie year (2016) and 2018 as well. Over his seven seasons during his first stint with Dallas (2016-2022), Elliott had 10,598 yards from scrimmage and 80 touchdowns.
There’s no doubting his tremendous production, but the fact of the matter is Elliott is not as efficient as he once was. His yards per carry has dipped from 4.2 in 2021 to 3.8 in 2022 to 3.5 in 2023 (with the New England Patriots) and now 3.3. Dowdle is the better back at this juncture, and that’s why he’s getting the bulk of the work.
Elliott hasn’t been entirely written off, serving as RB2, but one can imagine that he’ll be staying in that role for the foreseeable future while Dowdle handles a bellcow-type role.
As for the Cowboys, they’re 3-2 now after a two-game winning streak. Up next is a home game with the Detroit Lions on Sunday.
