Former Dallas Cowboys star running back Ezekiel Elliott is back in the NFL playoffs, but not with the Cowboys. He signed a contract with the Los Angeles Chargers who have had their backfield decimated by injuries. He was released by the Cowboys so he could attempt to catch on with a team that had a shot at postseason participation.
Ezekiel Elliott Signs With Bolts To Bolster Backfield
According to Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz, after Elliott cleared waivers, he wanted the chance to pursue a championship and will get the opportunity with coach Jim Harbaugh and the Chargers. Per Schultz, Elliott chose the Chargers over other interested teams and will join their practice squad.
The other teams who were interested in signing the former Ohio State star have not yet been named.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, in announcing Elliott’s release, said the team made the move to allow Elliott to play in the postseason.
“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 last week.
“As I have said many times previously, Zeke’s impact as one of the greatest to ever play with the Star on their helmet will never change and is etched in our record books and history forever. We thank him, love him and wish him the absolute best.”
Chargers signing RB Ezekiel Elliott to practice squad. (via @rapsheet) pic.twitter.com/4DfMeA6mQv
— NFL (@NFL) January 7, 2025
Harbaugh and the Chargers run first to set up the pass. They desperately needed another running back to help take the load off of J.K. Dobbins, who just returned from injury.
Dobbins’ primary backup Gus Edwards has been injured for multiple stretches of the season with various bumps and bruises. Dobbins had a good regular season when he was actually on the field. Elliott could spell Edwards when he returns and take some reps from Dobbins to keep him healthy.
Behind Dobbins and Edwards, the Chargers have seen Hassan Haskins and rookie Kimani Vidal get action in the second half of the season.
Elliott appeared in 15 games this year for Dallas. He rushed for 226 yards and three touchdowns for 3.1 yards per carry.
His ability as a pass-blocker who can protect Herbert will make him a perfect fit for the Chargers as soon as their Wild Card game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Jan. 11.
The Chargers are rushing to get him ready and up to speed with the playbook so he can contribute. Los Angeles could look to utilize him in third-down situations or to give Dobbins and Haskins a breather.
Fans of the Chargers are excited to have Elliott on their team. They took to social media to voice their consent.
And it happen…Welcome to the Bolts @EzekielElliott #BoltUp pic.twitter.com/nDOCZf37Jb
— Sam (@SamRodJr) January 7, 2025
One fan remarked that Elliott and Joey Bosa were roommates with the Ohio State Buckeyes. They are now reunited in Los Angeles, ironically under the tutelage of former Michigan Wolverines head coach Harbaugh.
Joey Bosa and Ezekiel Elliott.
Ohio State roommates ➡️ Chargers teammates.
— Ryan DePaul (@RyanDePaul) January 7, 2025