The Dallas Cowboys, like all other NFL teams, have started their 2024 rookie mini camp. It is during this time that the eight new drafted rookies and 12 undrafted free agent signees will begin their quests to hopefully make the final 53-man roster. In addition to these players, practice squad players from last season and others that are present for a tryout are involved in these early practices.
Rookie mini camp is also a great time for the media to meet with the Cowboys’ coaches to discuss offseason moves and their goals for the upcoming season. Of course, this year will be a big year for head coach Mike McCarthy, who is entering the final year of his contract. It appears that Dallas will need to have a deep playoff run (they were eliminated on Wild Card weekend by the Green Bay Packers this past year) in order for him to have a chance to come back.
The Dallas Cowboys Retooled Their Roster With Former 1st Round Pick Ezekiel Elliott
Earlier this offseason, the Cowboys lost running back Tony Pollard to free agency. He signed a three-year $24 million deal with the Tennessee Titans. In order to help make up for losing him, Dallas decided to re-sign one of the best running backs in franchise history, Ezekiel Elliot.
Elliott was a first round pick by the Cowboys in 2016 and had one of the best tenures for a running back in franchise history. His 8,262 rushing yards between 2016 and 2022 rank third in franchise history behind Emmitt Smith and Tony Dorsett.
Elliott, however, is not the running back he once was. Last season with the New England Patriots, he ran for 642 yards and three touchdowns, the lowest marks of his career.
Dallas Cowboys Head Coach Mike McCarthy Goes Viral For Comments About Ezekiel Elliott
During a media session that took place after practice at rookie mini camp, Coach McCarthy was asked about what it was like to have Elliott back on the team. He replied:
“He’s an old school guy. He’ll go up and smack a 60-year-old man in the a– and it hurts. It’s those kinds of things that you just enjoy him — not that I enjoy getting smacked in the a–.”
Well, thanks for visual, Coach.
