NFL experienced running back Ezekiel Elliott is released by the Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys released experienced running back Ezekiel Elliott on Tuesday afternoon, with one game left in the season.

The team said it did this so Elliott would have a chance to join a playoff team if he was able to clear waivers.

The Cowboys (7-9) aren’t in the running for the playoffs, and their season ends on Sunday when they host the Washington Commanders.

Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones said in a statement, “We are releasing Zeke from the Cowboys roster today out of respect and appreciation for him and to give him the best chance to play in the playoffs as possible.” “Like I’ve said many times before, Zeke’s legacy as one of the best players with the Star on their helmet will never fade. He will always be remembered in our records and history.” Thank you, we love you, and we wish you the best.

Elliott has rushed for 8,488 yards in his career, third in Cowboys history. Only Tony Dorsett (12,036) and Emmitt Smith (17,162 of his 18,355 yards) have run for more yards in NFL history.

Zeke is grateful and excited about what might happen, even though nothing is close, Elliott’s agent Rocky Arceneaux said in a statement. “He’s got a lot of good football left in him and will remain a Dallas Cowboy for life.”

Elliott, who is 29 years old, has only run for 226 yards and three scores on 74 carries this season. He has also caught 12 passes for 69 yards. The nine-year pro gained at least 979 yards in each of his first six seasons. After that, his yardage got worse and worse.

Elliott ran for 876 yards in 2022 before the Cowboys let him go at the end of the season. In 2023, he ran for 642 yards and three scores for the New England Patriots.

Elliott went back to Dallas this season. In the first game of the season, against the Cleveland Browns, he ran for 40 yards. Since then, he has only hit 30 yards twice more.

This season, Rico Dowdle has run for 1,007 yards, which is the most in Dallas.