Over the past six seasons, there haven't been many more prominent or prolific players for the Dallas Cowboys than running back Ezekiel Elliott. Since the Cowboys took the former Ohio State star with the fourth overall pick in 2016, Elliott has gained 7,386 yards on the ground. He has topped 1,000 rushing yards four times—including last year. He has led the league in rushing twice. Been named to three Pro Bowls. And scored 68 total touchdowns.
With the exception of quarterback Dak Prescott, Elliott has been as much the face of the franchise as anyone. He's a superstar.
But the life of a running back in the NFL can be a harsh one. All those yards have taken a toll on the 27-year-old. His lofty salary is taking a toll on the Cowboys' salary cap. And as Elliott gets ready for his seventh season in Dallas, there's a very real chance this Cowboy will be gone come spring.
Now, you won't hear the Cowboys talking about Elliott's days in Dallas being numbered. While speaking to reporters at training camp, team owner Jerry Jones told reporters that while Dallas needs to get fellow running back Tony Pollard more involved offensively, Elliott remains the straw that stirs the drink for the Cowboys in the backfield:
"We gotta have Tony Pollard out there. No, seriously, Zeke's gotta be our feature, and he is our feature. We can feature him in a lot of different ways. We all recognize what he does in the passing game because of his protection ability. Don't ever underestimate that especially with Zeke. Zeke takes some tolls when he's out there as a back blocking. So it's critical that we make Zeke — because he's capable of being that — really the focus of what we're doing. Now then, Pollard, there's plenty of room for Pollard. There's plenty of room for Pollard when Zeke's in there. Pollard needs to get the ball."
It's true that Elliott is one of the best pass-blocking backs in the NFL. And he got his on the ground last year as well—Elliott's 1,002 rushing yards ranked seventh in the league. He scored 10 touchdowns on the ground, caught the ninth-most passes (47) among running backs and helped power the Cowboys to 12 wins and an NFC East title.
Per the team's website, Elliott said he expects the ground game to be the offense's catalyst this season.