Ezekiel Elliott Takes a New Turn with the Los Angeles Chargers
In a move that marks a significant transition in his career, Ezekiel Elliott, a three-time Pro Bowler, requested his release from the Dallas Cowboys mere days before their season finale. The Cowboys have obliged, thus ending Elliott's long chapter in Dallas and opening the door to new opportunities with the Los Angeles Chargers.
Elliott's journey has been nothing short of remarkable since being the fourth overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft out of Ohio State. He burst onto the scene with a stunning rookie season, leading the league with 1,631 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns. These standout performances earned him a first-team All-Pro selection and his first of three Pro Bowl appearances. In his initial years, Elliott demonstrated unparalleled consistency, leading the NFL in rushing yards per game through his first three seasons and reclaiming the total rushing crown in 2018.
However, Elliott's recent seasons have not mirrored his explosive start. Since 2021, he has struggled to reach the 1,000-yard rushing mark and his yards per carry have stagnated at 3.8. This dip in performance led to a change in the Cowboys' backfield hierarchy, with Rico Dowdle taking over as the lead running back. Dowdle capitalized on this opportunity, reaching his personal milestone by recording his first 1,000-yard rushing season.
With Elliott's diminished role in Dallas, both parties seemed poised for a change, culminating in Elliott's decision to seek release and sign with the Los Angeles Chargers’ practice squad. The Chargers, an 11-6 playoff team, find themselves in need of backfield reinforcement due to their own injury woes. Both J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards have faced fitness challenges throughout the season. Dobbins, despite rushing for an impressive 905 yards and nine touchdowns, missed several games due to a knee sprain, while Edwards has struggled with consistent availability.
The Chargers envision Elliott as a potential asset, ready to step into the active roster if further injuries sideline Edwards. This scenario is particularly pertinent as the Chargers prepare for their crucial postseason clash against the Houston Texans. Despite the dip in his recent performances, Elliott’s experience and past accolades suggest he could still make a significant impact when called upon.
Elliott's role with the Chargers, at least initially, will be less prominent. In the 2024 season, he tallied 226 rushing yards and three touchdowns, along with 69 receiving yards over 15 games. These figures represent a sharp contrast to the explosive productivity from earlier in his career, but they also indicate he has the potential to contribute across different facets of the game.
As Elliott adapts to his new environment with the Chargers, all eyes will be on whether this seasoned veteran can rediscover the form that once made him the league’s most feared running back. His journey with the Chargers will not only test his resilience but also showcase his potential to contribute to a team aiming for success in the postseason.
This latest chapter in Ezekiel Elliott’s career serves as a reminder of the unpredictable and ever-changing nature of the NFL landscape. While Elliott may no longer headline as the spotlight player, his adaptability and experience could make him a vital piece in the Chargers' quest for playoff triumph.