Dallas Cowboys sign former Atlanta Falcons running back

The Dallas Cowboys are continuing to stockpile talent with the most important part of the 2021 season ahead.

On Wednesday, the Cowboys announced a new addition with strong connections to defensive coordinator Dan Quinn.

“Cowboys signed RB Ito Smith to the practice squad, they announced,” Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News reported. “Smith spent the past three seasons with DC Dan Quinn in Atlanta, totaling 175 carries for 689 yards and six touchdowns”

While the dynamic running back duo of Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard have been a staple on the Dallas Cowboys offense this season, there’s speculation from several people with strong ties to the organization that believe Elliott is battling an injury that could be far more severe than the running back has acknowledged. The former Ohio State star has admitted he’s been playing through pain in his left knee, but downplayed the severity and has continued to take the field.

Troy Aikman weighed in on the Elliott situation earlier this week.

“He doesn’t look right to me, and I said it during the broadcast, I love Ezekiel Elliott,” Aikman said on KTCK/96.7 FM “The Ticket.” “I mean I love everything about him, the way that he plays. I think he’s a great teammate, a great locker room player.”

Elliott hasn’t rushed for more than 50 yards in each of the past four games and his carries have declined in the past month as the Cowboys have used Tony Pollard more to take some of the load off him. Elliott rushed 13 times for 45 yards and had two receptions in last week’s win against the Saints.