Ezekiel Elliott Not Expected to Play for Cowboys vs. Bears Because Of Knee Injury
October 26, 2022
Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott's status for Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears is in doubt because of a knee injury, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero on Wednesday.
Elliott told reporters Wednesday he was unsure if he would suit up Sunday, saying his knee feels "stiff." Earlier Wednesday, head coach Mike McCarthy told reporters Elliott wouldn't practice Wednesday because of a sprained knee.
Michael Gehlken @GehlkenNFLCowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott said he’s unsure whether he’ll play vs. Bears. Feels it is “soft” to take off week just because not 100%. Knee feels “stiff.” On resting Sunday with bye to follow: “I think it’s a consideration, but it all depends on how I feel at the end of the week.” <a href="https://t.co/i4qIPbiDOY">https://t.co/i4qIPbiDOY</a> <a href="https://t.co/cZz4Smirm0">pic.twitter.com/cZz4Smirm0</a>
Elliott was limited to 31 offensive snaps in the Cowboys' 24-6 victory over the Detroit Lions in Week 7. He told reporters after the game he suffered a potential contusion on his knee late in the first half.
This is another setback for the 27-year-old, who played through a partially torn PCL during the 2021 campaign.
While Elliott appeared in all 17 games last year, fighting through the injury seemed to slow him for stretches. He averaged just 4.2 yards per carry on his way to 1,002 rushing yards and didn't have the same burst as when he led the NFL with 1,434 rushing yards in 2018 and 1,631 rushing yards in 2016.
The Ohio State product averaged 4.7 yards per carry and 5.1 yards per carry, respectively, during those two seasons.
Elliott's resume includes three Pro Bowl nods, an All-Pro selection and four seasons with more than 1,000 rushing yards. He has also proved to be durable and played 15 or more games in five of his first six seasons.
He has 475 yards from scrimmage and four total touchdowns on 115 touches through seven games in 2022.
If Elliott is unable to play or is limited this week, Tony Pollard will see an increased workload. The 25-year-old has been a more efficient runner than Elliott, with 5.6 yards per attempt on 67 carries.