Ezekiel Elliott's “astonished” report is “an exaggeration” of what RB feels

It's no secret that Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott is playing a diminished role in the Dallas offense five games into the 2024 season. Least of all for Elliott.

On Thursday, Elliott spoke to the media about his conversations with Cowboys coaches related to his reduced snap count, and that was followed by a report that said Elliott was “flabbergasted by his lack of opportunities.” The report was then picked up by several national media outlets.

But during Jerry Jones' appearance Friday on 105.3 The Fan (KRLD-FM), the Cowboys owner appeared to dispute the report, bafflingly calling the use of the word “an exaggeration.”

“That is exaggerated. 'Stunned' is an exaggeration,” Jones said when asked about the report. “It's a wrong description – it's a bad description of how he feels about things. He’s very aware of the part of the running game he’s a part of.”

Elliott was involved in 23 offensive snaps in the Week 5 win over Pittsburgh, but was not on the field in a few short-yardage situations, including once in the first half and at the goal line with the game on the line. Rico Dowdle, the starter, played instead. Dowdle finished his career with highs in attempts (20) and yards (87).

Jones gave his own reason for Dowdle's increased usage and Elliott's lack of carries: He says Dallas is saving the 29-year-old veteran for later in the year.

“More importantly, and I can't stress this enough, we are saving him,” Jones told The Fan. “And we should be. Rico is an outstanding running back. He always had the challenge – especially because of his size, I guess – to block and protect the quarterback.

“But his big problem was what? He struggled with injury problems throughout his career. So it would be crazy to simply rely on him for the duration of the season and into the playoffs. Zeke is there, he will be there because we want to protect him from everything during this special time.”

Jones also pointed out that the Cowboys also have practice squad running back Dalvin Cook in the starting lineup, but then stopped short of giving a timetable for Cook's activation, adding, “Don't exaggerate that.” That doesn't mean that which is big news.”

“The point is (the running backs) are visible to everyone,” Jones said. “It's not a secret. We will use them.”

Twitter: @dmn_cowboys

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