The Dallas Cowboys are still piecing together their rushing game plan of attack for the 2024 season and the return of Ezekiel Elliott adds a new dynamic.
America’s Team was left with a vital gap on offense when free agency opened and they opted not to franchise tag Tony Pollard for a consecutive year.
Pollard endured a difficult 2023 season as he was looking to bounce back after a fractured fibula in the 2022 playoffs vs the San Francisco 49ers.
He finished with 1,005 rushing yards with 311 receive yards and punched the ball into the end zone six times.
Tony Pollard leaves Dallas and the franchise hoped to have landed rookie Jonathon Brooks
The 27-year-old opted to leave Dallas and pursued his first veteran contract with the Tennessee Titans.
Jerry Jones was not impressed by the free agent running back market price and passed on several talented additions.
Moreover, the 81-year-old was excited to add Texas Longhorn rusher Jonathon Brooks to their ranks but his dream was squashed by the Carolina Panthers in the third round.
Therefore, the Cowboys have welcomed back third-all-time leading rusher Ezekiel Elliott home.
The three-time Pro Bowler left the franchise for a lone season with the New England Patriots where he served as a secondary asset to Rhamondre Stevenson
Cowboys welcome back Elliott whose role shifted at the New England Patriots
Elliott played the role of the short-yardage and goal-to-go bulldozing back in New England, with his game-changing home-run traits a thing of the past.
However, he became the starter for the final five games when Stevenson suffered a lengthy injury.
At the OTAs, head coach Mike McCarthy has hinted that Elliott will be a useful member of a rushing plan by a committee.
Rico Dowdle has been logging a respected portion of offseason reps and will be a key piece for the offense.
Elliott possesses the stockier frame and power to continue to play the goal-line role.
Ezekiel Elliott pins a $3 million one-year deal, $12 million less APY than the last deal in Dallas
On a $3 million one-year contract, the production for the two-time NFL Rushing Yards Leader is not like when he was earning $15 million APY.
He concluded his sub-plot in New England with three touchdowns to his name and scored 12 in his final season in Dallas.
In the two years before, Elliott logged six points on 10 occasions in 2021 and six times in 2020.
Assuming Elliott will be adopting a primary role in the Cowboys rushing committee, fans should expect an improvement on his Patriots adventure.
Ultimately, a realistic expectation for Elliott’s touchdown numbers would be six-plus in the 2024 season.
If Elliott can find the juice in his legs and explosivity to create high-yardage plays, then an optimistic fan could hope for him to get close to 10.
