Jerry Jones Comments on Ezekiel Elliott's Workload

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones stated Tuesday the team will continue to lean on standout rookie Ezekiel Elliott, the NFL's leading rusher, during the remaining portion of the season despite concerns about his workload.

Todd Archer of ESPN.com passed along comments from the outspoken and highly involved owner, who showed no interest in changing a formula that has guided the Cowboys to a league-best 10-1 record.

"The more we give Ezekiel the ball, then I think the better," Jones said. "We're winning with that. We're wearing them down on defense."

Jones also pinpointed Hall of Fame running back Emmitt Smith as an example of a player who could see a high volume of touches on a weekly basis without wearing down late in the year.

"I look back at Emmitt Smith. Everybody expressed, including ourselves, concern because Emmitt was carrying such a load," he said. "And of course I think he carried the ball more than I think anyone has in their career in the NFL. But Emmitt was solid. He was certainly productive."

Elliott, who leads the NFL in rushing attempts with 243 to go along with 24 catches, doesn't share any of the workload concerns. He told Brandon George of the Dallas Morning News earlier in November that he was still fresh and ready to roll.

"I feel good," Elliott said. "I've been taking good care of my body. I feel fresh and just trying to stay on this routine to make sure I stay fresh. I'm not really worried about a rookie wall."

The numbers don't show any signs of decline so far. The 21-year-old Ohio State product rushed for 97 yards on 20 carries, caught two passes for 23 yards and scored two rushing touchdowns in the Cowboys' Thanksgiving victory over the Washington Redskins.

Dallas does have Alfred Morris available as a veteran backup, but he's been nothing more than a plodder over the past three years and wouldn't bring the same type of explosive playmaking ability to the backfield. He's averaging just 3.7 yards per carry this season.

Ultimately, the one exception to Jones' outlook could be if the Cowboys are able to wrap up the top seed in the NFC a few weeks early. They hold a two-game lead over the NFC East-rival New York Giants in that race with five weeks remaining.

If Dallas locks down home-field advantage sometime before Week 17, then it can give Elliott some additional rest before the playoffs. Otherwise, expect to see the same smashmouth style that has allowed the Cowboys to win 10 consecutive games after a Week 1 loss to the Giants.