Apr 29, 2016; Irving, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys number one draft pick Ezekiel Elliott answers questions with owner Jerry Jones from reporters at Dallas Cowboys Headquarters Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

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Back in 2016, the Dallas Cowboys used fourth overall pick in the NFL Draft to select running back Ezekiel Elliott out of Ohio State. He was an instant success, leading the league in rushing with 1,631 yards while being named to the Pro Bowl and was a First Team All-Pro.

Two years later, in 2018, Elliott led the NFL in rushing again with 1,434 yards. In seven seasons with Dallas during his first stint with the team, the dynamic running back rushed over 1,000 yards four times and made three Pro Bowls.

But that was then; this is now. After spending a year with the New England Patriots, Elliott re-signed with the Cowboys after Tony Pollard departed in free agency. Through five games, he has just 30 carries for 98 yards and a single touchdown.

Dallas Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones Speaks Out on Ezekiel Elliott’s Role

Jun 5, 2024; Frisco, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (15) goes through a drill during practice at the Ford Center at the Star Training Facility in Frisco, Texas. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-USA TODAY Sports

According to multiple reports, Elliott is apparently “dumbfounded” by his role on the team. He is currently the clear backup running back with Rico Dowdle getting the bulk of the carries through five games.

Going into the season, Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy said that the team was going to utilize a running back by committee approach to the run game. Of course, this was after Jones declined to sign free agent running back Derrick Henry. He said then, and recently, that the Cowboys could simply not afford Henry, who signed a two-year $16 million contract ($9 million guaranteed) with the Baltimore Ravens.

When asked about Elliott’s unhappiness with his lack of opportunities, Jones said that Dallas is “saving him” for future big games and that the word “dumbfounded” was a poor description of how Elliott was really feeling.

Dallas Cowboys Fans React to Jerry Jones’ Comments About Ezekiell Elliott

Oct 6, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (15) works out before a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

Of course, Cowboys fans are not happy with Jones and the way that he approached the running back position during the offseason. Many wanted Henry signed, and were outraged when Jones stated that they could not afford him.

Through five weeks, the Cowboys average the second-fewest rushing yards per game in the NFL. That, and the fact he refused to spend more than the minimum on the position, had fans furious with Jones in regard to his comments about “saving” Elliott for later in the season:

As one can see, fans are not buying it. The fact of the matter is that Elliott is on a decline and is not good enough to shoulder a heavy load. His yards-per-carry average has dipped in each of the past four seasons and currently stands at a career-worst 3.3.

It is also obvious to fans that Jones is simply trying to deflect more criticism for his failure to sign Henry in free agency, who currently has 572 rushing yards and a NFL-leading six touchdowns. He also gashed Dallas’ defense for 151 yards and two touchdowns in their matchup last month.

The fact of the matter is that everyone knew Dallas was going to have a bad run game this year. The question now is if Jones did too and just went cheap or if he really did believe the team had done enough at the position.

Either answer should be a source of serious concern for how the organization is run