Cowboys veteran Ezekiel Elliott determined to lead young stable of running backs

Finally returned home with the Dallas Cowboys, Ezekiel Elliott has big plans for the 2024 season. On top of potentially re-gaining his starting job with the team that drafted him No. 4 overall eight years ago, the veteran intends to pour his knowledge and experience into the team’s young stable of running backs.

Besides Elliott, the Cowboys have Rico Dowdle, Malik Davis, Royce Freeman, Deuce Vaughn, Hunter Luepke, Snoop Conner and Nathaniel Peat in the RB room. None of the other running backs on the roster even come close to touching the number of reps the former Buckeye has had in the league so far – which is over 2,100 carries.

“Just being in this league for as long as I have been, and being comfortable with who I am, and having as many reps as I have, I can focus on bringing other guys along and help them find their way,” Elliott said.

” … A lot of skilled guys and guys with a lot of different talents [in our RBs room]. It’ll be exciting to work with them, push each other and help each other become better football players.”

In 17 games played for New England last season, Elliott rushed on a career-low 184 carries, posting 642 rushing yards with three touchdowns. He also added 51 catches for 313 yards and two more scores. The veteran proved he still has juice, at least enough for the Cowboys to welcome him home.

Dowdle returns for Year 5 with Cowboys

If Elliott isn’t the starter for Dallas in 2024, it’s possible the team will turn to former South Carolina star Rico Dowdle. The former Gamecock has battled injuries throughout his first four years in the league, but 2023 was a step in the right direction.

In 16 regular season games, Dowdle had 89 carries for 361 yards with two touchdowns. He gained 17 first downs and added six more by catching passes from Dak Prescott. He ended the year with 17 receptions for 177 yards and two more touchdowns. Dowdle played sparingly in the team’s postseason game against the Green Bay Packers. He had just two carries for 11 yards in the loss. Dallas signed him to a new one-year deal in March for $1.255 million.

“Rico definitely had a great year last year — finally got his health together,” Elliott said. “He was able to showcase his ability. He runs the ball super hard, and that’s something I love about his game. It’ll be fun to play with Rico [again] this year.”

Dallas also picked up veteran running back Royce Freeman this offseason, who has spent the majority of his career so far as a supporting cast member. In 2023 for the Rams, Freeman surpassed the 300-yard mark for the first time in four seasons. He had a career-high as a rookie with 521 yards on 130 carries, followed up by 132 carries and 496 yards in 2019 for the Broncos. Last season, he posted 319 yards and two touchdowns on 77 carries.