Ezekiel Elliot wants more playing time for the Cowboys

Ezekiel Elliot does not want his lack of playing time with the Dallas Cowboys to be a big issue. 

He told reporters on Thursday that he discussed with coaches about his sparse appearances, but isn’t trying to complain a lot. 

“I’ve talked a little bit (to the coaches),” Elliott said, to the Dallas Morning News. “But kinda let it play itself out.”

Elliot began Week 1 taking 10 carries for 40 yards and a touchdown in the victory over the Cleveland Browns. In the four matches since then, he has not gotten over six carries, averaging 2.9 yards per totes. Elliot has played less than 30 snaps per match in the last four competitions, including 23 in Week 5’ weak victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. 

Rico Dowdle has displayed more pop in the run game and gotten most of the carries. He has secured a career-high 20 carries for 87 yards on Sunday night. 

Ezekiel mentioned that he wants to appear more in the red zone and short yardage scenarios where Dallas has struggled. He said he wasn’t sure why he was sidelined. 

“It’s definitely a little different, but keep your head down,” he said.

After he was released last season, Elliot spent 2023 with the New England Patriots. He recorded career lows with 652 yards on 184 carries and three touchdowns while averaging 3.5 yards with New England. Coming back to the Cowboys in 2024 has not been the reunion he hoped for. 

“I just focus on being a good teammate,” Elliott said. “I’ve been focusing on continuing to help lead this team and I’m not making it about me, it’s about this football team (winning) football games.”