Cowboys release Ezekiel Elliott ahead of season finale against Washington
The Dallas Cowboys released veteran running back Ezekiel Elliott, per his request on Tuesday.
The move allows Elliott to hit the open market. If he clears waivers, and join a playoff team he will be eligible to play in the postseason.
Here is a statement from Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones:
“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. 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.”
Elliott’s second stint with the Cowboys ends after just 16 games and a career-low 226 yards and three rushing touchdowns. Despite starting the opening game against Cleveland and running for 40 yards and a score, the Cowboys turned to Rico Dowdle for the remainder of the season.
Ahead of the team’s week nine matchup in Atlanta against the Falcons, Elliott missed a team meeting and was reprimanded by not traveling for the game. From that point, Elliott’s snap count took a noticeable hit. Now, he enters free agency and departs Dallas for the second time.
His career with the Cowboys ends after eight seasons with 8,488 yards and 71 rushing touchdowns which is third in franchise history behind Tony Dorsett and Emmitt Smith.
If he clears waivers over the next 24 hours, he will be free to join any team.
This story was originally published December 31, 2024 at 3:30 PM.
