Ezekiel Elliott passes physical, announces return to Cowboys as both sides agree to terms on a contract

The Dallas Cowboys and Ezekiel Elliott had been separated for a yr, however made certain the divorce did not final lengthy. Elliott is returning to the Cowboys as the 2 sides have agreed to terms on a contract to deliver one of many best working backs in Cowboys historical past again to Dallas.

The deal is formally official after Elliott handed his bodily with the Cowboys. He’ll put on his outdated No. 21 for his second stint in Dallas. 

Elliott is again with Dallas after one season with the New England Patriots, which he completed with 184 carries for 642 yards and three touchdowns — a profession low 3.5 yards per carry. He break up time within the Patriots backfield with Rhamondre Stevenson.

The Cowboys are bringing again Elliott to assist solidify a working sport that’s primarily nonexistent after Tony Pollard departed in free company. Rico Dowdle was the projected beginning working again with Deuce Vaughn and free agent signing Royce Freeman because the backups. 

Does Elliott make this group higher? Simply ask proprietor Jerry Jones, who nonetheless believes Elliott can begin within the league. 

“Sure,” Jones advised CBS Sports activities’ Garrett Podell Friday evening when requested if Elliott has RB1/starter capabilities at this stage of his profession. “We talked about this final evening too: Is Zeke somebody of curiosity? Yeah, he’s somebody of curiosity. I noticed him play his final video games with New England. I assumed he performed effectively sufficient to be a starter.”  

Elliott’s first stint in Dallas did not finish the way in which he wished. The Cowboys nice was arguably the worst beginning working again within the league in 2022, ending final within the NFL in yards per carry (3.8), tackles averted (32), and proportion of runs that went for 10-plus yards (7.4%). 

No matter how the primary stint ended, Elliott is likely one of the finest working backs in Cowboys historical past. Third on the all-time checklist in speeding yards for the Cowboys (8,262), Elliott rushed for 1,000 yards 4 instances in seven seasons, whereas additionally reaching double digits in speeding touchdowns 4 instances and incomes three Professional Bowl appearances. 

Elliott led the NFL in speeding yards per sport in three consecutive seasons (2016-2018) with the Cowboys and the league in speeding yards twice (2016, 2018). His speeding yards per sport numbers have declined every season on account of the variety of touches gathered over the course of his profession, averaging a career-low 37.8 speeding yards per sport in 2023. 

The Cowboys and Elliott will try and have a happier ending. Elliott often is the No. 1 again in Dallas consequently.