FRISCO — Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott is the starting running back for the 2024 season. The team will have a rotation of players who will get carries, but it starts with Elliott, who is making his return to the team after a one-year absence while playing in New England.
“It means a lot to be here, represent the star on my helmet,” Elliott said after Thursday’s practice.
During training camp practices, Elliott received limited reps and didn’t play in any of the three preseason games. The goal is to make sure Elliott is fresh once the regular season starts Sunday at Cleveland, and to limit the number of reps when he plays for the season’s stretch run.
Elliott had to adjust to the Cowboys’ plan for him.
“It’s just trusting the process,” he said. “You just got to understand, not taking as many reps, doing whatever you can to help stay in shape and I think I did a good job with that in camp and I’m ready to go.”
In New England, Elliott didn’t earn his first start until late in the 2023 season. His production during that period, 72 carries for 213 yards with one rushing touchdown and 27 catches for 159 yards and two scores in five starts, was the genesis for the Cowboys believing he remained an effective running back. The Cowboys didn’t select a running back in the NFL draft which also kept the door open for a return.
The biggest question is whether Elliott still had juice.
“That’s every year,” he said. “I want to prove how much juice I have every time I strap up. I’m looking to put my best foot forward and go out and compete.”
Briefly: TE John Stephens (hamstring) missed Thursday’s practice. CB Caelen Carson was a new addition to the injury report with a knee issue but was a full participant. ... When coach Mike McCarthy was asked if he designed the sweatshirts with the word “Rooted” on the front, he joked, “Do I look like I design clothes? Nothing like a free T-shirt.”
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