Mike McCarthy: Cowboys can't 'just go out and replace Zeke'

The Dallas Cowboys have added two running backs to the roster since cutting Ezekiel Elliott in March, but they haven’t quite answered how they’ll replace what he brought to the table, like his bruising goal-line rushing.

On Thursday, Mike McCarthy addressed the question of “replacing Zeke,” but admitted that he doesn’t think that is what’s going to happen.

“I don’t think you just go out and replace Zeke,” McCarthy told reporters gathered at the Star for OTAs. “I’ve never viewed it that way. Business, cap-onomics, that’s real. You make decisions and sometimes the decisions definitely factor in the next decision or two that come down the road. We were just doing short yardage and goal line last night and he just jumps off the tape.

“This really isn’t about replacing Zeke. It’s really about opportunities for the young guys. Tony’s opportunity to be the lead back. We’re just getting all those guys ready. Deuce is the new guy. It’s been cool to see him implemented into the things we’ve been doing here the last week. The group will look different because his presence is not there anymore.”

McCarthy, Cowboys move ahead with Pollard as lead back

After Tony Pollard surpassed Elliott as the team’s leading rusher in 2022, the Cowboys opted to part ways with the former first-rounder. They saved cap space, which in turn helped them acquire more talent. Pollard and Elliott have different styles, but by signing the former Memphis star to the franchise tag, Dallas made it clear they want him as the feature back.

The Cowboys signed veteran Ronald Jones out of free agency to boost the room. However, it’s unclear how big of a role he’ll have in 2023. In 2022, Jones logged six regular season games for the Bucs, notching 17 carries for 70 yards and a touchdown. His best season so far was in 2020 when he had a 978-yard rushing campaign. Jones also ran for 724 yards in 2019, and 428 yards in 2021.

Dallas also drafted running back Deuce Vaughn out of Kansas State, but it’s clear that at 5-foot-5, he won’t be the bruiser they had in Zeke. Second-year running back Malik Davis also still has a role to carve out for himself this season.

The Cowboys have said they’re open to additional moves, so there could still be a “Zeke replacement” coming. Or, Dallas could go get the real thing. Despite some reported movement earlier this month about a potential signing with the Bucs, Elliott is still available on the free agent market.