Jerry Jones downplays Ezekiel Elliott’s frustration over usage with Cowboys

Ezekiel Elliott is apparently confused by his role in his return to the Dallas Cowboys. However, Jerry Jones noted that as overstating it.

Jones spoke about Elliott’s apparent frustration with his usage in the offense while on 105.3 The Fan on Friday. He said that Dallas is saving him rather than using him as much over the first five games.

“We’re saving him and we should be,” said Jones.

Clarence Hill shared some comments from Elliott about his spot on the team on Thursday. Elliott told him that he has spoken to the Cowboys’ staff about that role and how he was ‘dumbfounded’ by it, especially as an option in the red zone.

Elliott is Dallas’ second-leading running back behind Rico Dowdle. He has 30 carries on the season for 98 yards and a touchdown. However, much of that production came in the season opener against the Cleveland Browns. In the four games since, he’s averaging five touches for 14.5 yards.

In comparison, Dowdle is their leading rusher this year with 54 carries for 221 yards.

Still, Dallas has the second-worst rushing attack in the NFL. They’ve run for only 410 total yards at an average of just 82 yards per game.

Elliott was going to have to adjust to some extent anyways from his first stint with the franchise to now. Still, Jones thinks any issues that he has were exaggerated.

Report: Elliott ‘dumbfounded’ by lack of opportunities with Cowboys

Ezekiel Elliott has confirmed that he talked to the coaches about his role and remains ‘dumbfounded’ by the lack of opportunities, at least as a red zone back, according to Clarence Hill, a Cowboys beat writer.

Hill made sure to let everyone know that Elliott was simply answering the questions he was asked by reporters on Thursday. The veteran tailback has continued to be a good teammate in practice and fulfill his media obligations every week despite having a diminished role on the roster.

“It’s definitely a little different but keep your head down,” Elliott said. “I just focus on being a good teammate. I’ve been focusing on continuing to help lead this team and I’m not making it about me, it’s about this football team (winning).”