In less-than-stellar news for Cowboys fans, RB Ezekiel Elliott had an MRI on Monday that revealed he sprained his right knee (MCL) in Sunday’s victory over the Detroit Lions. The doctors say it’s a Grade 2 Sprain which indicates a moderate sprain with partial tearing of the MCL. He also has a deep thigh bruise.
The injury occurred during the second quarter of the game, which obviously wasn’t the end of Zeke’s day, but these injuries can intensify after a little time. Elliott rushed 15 times for 57 yards and two touchdowns in the win.
Head coach Mike McCarthy declined to commit to a timeframe for Elliott’s return or status for the team’s upcoming contest with the Chicago Bears. For now, he says Zeke will be held out of practice to get some rehab work in.
Zeke had plenty to say, on the other hand, but offered no answer about his ability to suit up before the bye week.
“Trying to get stiffness out and get with training staff and seeing where it can get. I don’t know right now. We still have a lot of time before Sunday. Just focused on getting this knee as healthy as I can.”
The Star-Telegram’s Clarence E. Hill Jr cites an unnamed source that Elliott will not play the Bears and will likely return to action next against the Green Bay Packers on Oct 13.
How DAL Will Respond
Given that Tony Pollard is often argued to be RB1B to Ezekiel Elliott’s RB1A, news that EE might miss the game doesn’t seem to be much of a worry. Normally, losing your starting running back to an injury would be a substantial concern, but Pollard offers plenty of talent and skill for the Cowboys to utilize against Chicago.
Pollard has 375 yards on the season so far with an average of 5.6 YPC and two touchdowns. Elliott had two TDs entering the game against Detroit and scored two more in the second half — after the injury. TP’s ability to get by would-be tacklers and speed his way into the second level and beyond will be put to the test without the change-of-pace aspect he usually enjoys.
More to come if more comes, of course.
I think it’s important for Zeke to be healthy before he returns. Last year, Dr. Jones forced him back early and Zeke wants to play through injury anyway. But that hurt his effectiveness. We need Zeke healthy. With the bye, I say let’s give him a minimum of 2 weeks rest and see where he’s at.