While the Dallas Cowboys offensive stars have been decimated by injuries, running back Ezekiel Elliott has remained in the lineup each week.
This streak came into question on Wednesday, however, when it was revealed that Elliott was dealing with a calf injury, limiting him in practice.
“I don’t remember exactly where I hurt it…It’s more of a contusion than a muscle strain. It’s like a big bruise” Ezekiel Elliott told the media.
Elliott has been hobbled a couple of times this season, nearly missing a start against the Pittsburgh Steelers due to a hamstring strain. But Elliott battled through, and he expects to do so again. Zeke told the media on Thursday that while he’s sore and banged up, he acknowledges that “everyone” is by week 13.
Elliott plans to play against the Bengals this Sunday, fighting through this calf injury.
Ezekiel Elliott’s raw production has taken a real dip this season. Once averaging over 95 yards a game for three straight seasons, Elliott has failed to eclipse 60 yards rushing six times this season alone.
The bigger issue with Elliott has been the fumbles, looking like he’s been trying to carry this injured offense on his back at times. Elliott did look pretty good on Tuesday in Baltimore, rushing for 77 yards on 18 attempts. He actually put up good EPA numbers for much of the night as well, though these were brutalized after three unsuccessful goal line carries.
The Cowboys visit the Cincinnati Bengals this Sunday, kicking off at Noon Central Time.
I loved Zeke coming out of Ohio St. He was fantastic his first year with Cowboys, couldn’t ask for more. Unfortunately, his performance has declined since. The decline hasn’t been very sudden, since his 2nd and 3rd years have been very good, but this year has been disappointing. The O-line injuries may have played into this also. He started this year with a good game against Rams, and has flashed well in a few other games, Giants and Vikes. But the fumbles have hurt and were uncharacteristic. Hope he can regain some of that previous performance level. Still think we need to augment the RB position.
I like EE but he has not been the same RB once he got the big contract!
I think he must have hurt his leg in Cabo
Play Pollard if ur preference is to win. Otherwise go with the gimpy Zeke. Look if he wasn’t who he is and didnt have that contract he would’ve been benched long before this, especially with his fumbling issues.
He used to be a power back with speed and quickness. Now he’s just a power back. OL issues aside u expect and we need more production from that position. A back of his stature should be able to give us more than this. I know fan’s keep thinking he will turn the corner, but u can’t turn back the hands of time. He had a few yrs of dominance but those yrs are in the rear view mirror. RBs generally burn out early, his just came earlier.