Report: Former Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott signing with Chargers

The Los Angeles Chargers are signing running back Ezekiel Elliott for their playoff run, per Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports.

Elliott, 29, was granted his release from the Dallas Cowboys Dec. 31. Elliott wanted the chance to compete for a Super Bowl, and team owner Jerry Jones was willing to give him the opportunity to seek another place where that was possible. The veteran tailback fielded interest from multiple playoff teams but liked the fit with head coach Jim Harbaugh and the Chargers, Schultz said.

“Out of respect and appreciation for Zeke and wanting to provide him with an opportunity to pursue any potential playoff participation possible, we are releasing him from the Cowboys roster today,” Jones said in a statement. “As I have said many times previously, Zeke’s impact as one of the greatest players to ever play with the Star on their helmet will never change and it etched in our record books and history forever. We thank him, love him and wish him the absolute best.”

Ezekiel Elliott joins AFC contender after Cowboys release

Elliott, who spent the first seven years of his career with the Cowboys, signed back this past offseason after a one-year stay with the New England Patriots. He started the season splitting carries with Rico Dowdle, though it became evident quickly he was no longer the player he once was when he led the league in rushing on two occasions.

Elliott rushed for a career-low 236 yards on 3.1 yards per carry, to go along with three touchdowns. Dowdle, meanwhile, tallied 1,079 yards, 12th-most among running backs. Elliott ends his career with the Cowboys as the third-leading rusher in franchise history with 8,488 yards and 71 touchdowns. His rookie season where he rushed for 1,631 yards and 15 touchdowns ranks as the fifth best of any Dallas back ever.

The Chargers could use the added depth with Gus Edwards sidelined with an ankle injury and J.K. Dobbins only recently returning from a knee injury of his own. Los Angeles travels to play the Houston Texans in the AFC Wild Card Round this Saturday at 4:30 p.m. ET.