NFL veteran running back Ezekiel Elliott has officially joined a playoff team after being released by the Dallas Cowboys. This move comes as a significant step for the 29-year-old running back, who aims to make an impact in the postseason.
Elliott was waived on New Year’s Eve, just before the Cowboys’ season finale against the Washington Commanders. His departure from Dallas marks the end of an era for a player who was once a cornerstone of the franchise. With three Pro Bowls to his name and ranking third in touchdowns (71) in Cowboys history, Elliott leaves behind a legacy that will not be forgotten.
A week after his release, NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that the Los Angeles Chargers signed Elliott, hoping he can contribute to their potential Super Bowl run. The Chargers are bringing him onto their practice squad, with plans to elevate him to the active roster if needed. Rapoport noted that the team is eager for Elliott to get up to speed quickly as they prepare for their playoff matchup.
Elliott had expressed a desire to join a Super Bowl-contending team, which played a significant role in his request for release. Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones acknowledged this in his comments following the decision to waive Elliott. He stated, “As I have said many times previously, Zeke’s impact as one of the greatest to ever play with the Star on their helmet will never change and is etched in our record books and history forever. We thank him, love him and wish him the absolute best.”
The Chargers finished the regular season with an impressive 11-6 record, earning the No. 5 seed in the AFC playoffs. They are set to take on the Houston Texans in the Wild Card round on Saturday, and Elliott’s experience could prove invaluable as they push for a championship.
In stark contrast, Elliott’s final season in Dallas was disappointing. The Cowboys ended the year with a 7-10 record, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2020. During his time on the field, Elliott struggled significantly, recording just 74 rush attempts for 226 yards and three touchdowns. This performance was a far cry from his earlier years when he was a dominant force in the league.
Last season, Elliott played on a one-year deal with the New England Patriots, where he managed to post 642 rushing yards on 184 attempts, along with three touchdowns. However, his recent production has not matched the heights of his early career. A first-round pick by the Cowboys in 2016, Elliott made three Pro Bowls and won the rushing title twice. He set a rookie record with 1,631 rushing yards and achieved 30 100-yard games during his tenure in Dallas.
Elliott’s move to the Chargers comes at a crucial time. The team is dealing with injuries in their backfield, particularly with tailback Gus Edwards, who injured his ankle in Week 16. If Edwards is unable to play in the upcoming playoff game, Elliott could be called upon to step up and deliver in a high-stakes environment. Currently, J.K. Dobbins leads the Chargers’ backfield, with Kimani Vidal and Hassan Haskins also in the mix.
The excitement surrounding Elliott’s signing is palpable. Fans are eager to see how he will fit into the Chargers’ offensive scheme and whether he can recapture the magic that made him a household name during his prime. Will he be able to elevate his game in the playoffs and help lead the Chargers on a deep postseason run? Only time will tell.
Before his release, Elliott had been active for every game except for Week 9, when he was deactivated for reportedly missing meetings. In his last eight appearances, he topped 14 snaps only once, which highlighted the challenges he faced in his final season with the Cowboys.
As Elliott embarks on this new chapter with the Chargers, he aims to prove that he still has what it takes to be a game-changer. The nine-year NFL veteran is looking to make a significant impact in the playoffs, and joining a competitive team like the Chargers offers him the perfect opportunity to do just that.
With the playoffs right around the corner, Elliott’s journey continues, and fans will be watching closely to see how he contributes to the Chargers’ quest for a championship. His experience, talent, and determination could be the X-factor that propels the team forward. The stage is set, and the excitement is building—can Ezekiel Elliott rise to the occasion once again?
