Ezekiel Elliott is determined to continue his career as a running back and has taken his first step by signing a deal with an AFC team. The former Cowboys star aims to regain his form by starting on the practice squad, with hopes of climbing to the first team and putting behind him the struggles of his final days in Dallas.
According to Ian Rapoport, the Chargers have signed Elliott to their practice squad, offering him a chance to rebuild his natural speed and explosiveness as a running back. The team’s goal is to assess his potential contribution for the playoffs.
It’s worth noting that Elliott’s last season with the Cowboys was far from his best. He managed only 2 touchdowns and 226 rushing yards on 74 attempts, starting just two games. This marked the second time since 2023 that he was no longer the undisputed starter in Dallas’ running back room.
The Chargers could be the perfect landing spot for him, given their strong running strategy. By the end of the 2024 regular season, they had amassed 1,882 rushing yards with 17 touchdowns—just six fewer than their passing touchdowns—a clear indicator of how heavily they rely on their running backs.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 22: Ezekiel Elliott #15 of the Dallas Cowboys looks on prior to a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at AT&T Stadium on December 22, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
Elliott could fill the void left by a key player
One of the Chargers’ key running backs, Gus Edwards, has been sidelined with an injury for a few weeks. The team understands that without him, things could become challenging in the playoffs and the upcoming NFL season. Elliott could be the player to help mitigate Edwards’ absence. This season, Edwards recorded 4 touchdowns and 365 rushing yards before his injury.
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Does Elliott have playoff experience?
Yes, Elliott has some playoff experience, although it’s relatively limited. He has started six postseason games, with his first appearance in 2016 and his most recent in 2022. His best playoff performance came during the 2018 season, where he scored his only two postseason touchdowns and posted 184 rushing yards in just two games with the Cowboys.
