With Javonte Williams leading the way, the Dallas Cowboys have their best rushing attack since Ezekiel Elliott was hurdling defenders in the open field every Sunday.
Unfortunately, Elliott's decline happened fast. He ripped off two rushing titles in his first three years to go with 28 rushing touchdowns. Between 2020-2023, though, Elliott averaged just 55.1 rushing yards per game. He conceded the RB1 job last year to Rico Dowdle before getting released by the Cowboys in December, and he's still looking for work five weeks into this season.
Assuming Elliott still wants to play, the Los Angeles Chargers' injury crisis at running back may be the break he needed.
Chargers should give ex-Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott a call
Already down Najee Harris, who suffered a torn Achilles in Week 3, the Chargers placed standout rookie Omarion Hampton on Injured Reserve with an ankle injury he suffered in their Week 5 loss to the Commanders.
A first-round pick this year, Hampton had been turning a corner after a slow start, so this is a crushing loss for a Bolts offense that is already without starting tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt.
Second-year back Kimani Vidal and fourth-year pro Hassan Haskins are the next men up. The Chargers also signed vet Nyheim Hines to their practice squad after he spent training camp and the preseason with the team.
Cowboys fans might forget that Elliott signed with the Chargers after Dallas released him, so there's some familiarity with head coach John Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman. It goes without saying that Elliott doesn't have much juice left, but he was a capable short-yardage specialist last season. He still has good vision, and Los Angeles doesn't have a veteran RB who knows how to fall forward through contact.
Elliott isn't equipped to handle 10 carries a game anymore, but the Chargers would be smart to kick the tires. There's little harm in adding him to the practice squad, as Vidal and Haskins have averaged a respective 3.7 and 3.0 yards per carry in their careers.
You mean to tell me there's no room for Elliott in this backfield?