It’s widespread data that Cowboys working again Ezekiel Elliott has had a lowered function within the Dallas offense 5 video games into the 2024 season. Especially to Elliott.
On Thursday Elliott conversed with the media about his talks with Cowboys coaches concerning his decreased snap depend, and a report followed saying Elliott was “astonished by his lack of chances.” The report was then picked up by a number of nationwide shops.
But in Jerry Jones’ Friday look on 105.3 The Fan (KRLD-FM), the Cowboys proprietor appeared to problem the report, describing the use of the phrase astonished as “an overstatement.”
“That’s an overstatement. ‘Astounded’ is an overstatement,” Jones mentioned when questioned in regards to the report. “It misrepresents — it’s a poor depiction of how he feels about things. He’s very much conscious of the part of the running game that he’s involved with.”
Elliott took half in 23 offensive snaps within the Week 5 conquer Pittsburgh however was absent from the sphere in some short-yardage eventualities, together with one within the first half and on the purpose line with the sport on the road. Instead, Rico Dowdle, the starter, performed. Dowdle concluded with profession highs in makes an attempt (20) and yards (87).
Jones supplied his personal clarification for Dowdle’s elevated utilization and Elliott’s shortage of carries: He states Dallas is reserving the 29-year-old veteran for later within the yr.
“More importantly, and I can’t stress this enough: We’re conserving him,” Jones instructed The Fan. “And we should be. Rico is an exceptional running back, he’s always had the challenge — mainly I guess because of his size — of doing the blocking, protecting the quarterback.
“But his major problem has been what? He’s had issues with injury over his career. So it’d be irrational to just depend on him for the duration of the season and into the playoffs. Zeke is there, he will be there, because we want to safeguard him at this specific time as much as anything.”
Jones additionally talked about that the Cowboys have follow squad working again Dalvin Cook within the wings as effectively, however then dismissed giving a timeline for Cook’s activation, including, “don’t embellish that. That doesn’t mean that’s big news.”
“The point is, [the running backs] are there for everybody to see,” Jones mentioned. “It’s no secret. We’re gonna use ‘em.”
Twitter: @dmn_cowboys
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