Even though his reduced role during the first five games of the season—his rep count being rejected after the Week 1 victory against the Cleveland Browns—isn’t exactly what Ezekiel Elliott had in mind when he reunited with his beloved Dallas Cowboys in 2024, he isn’t complaining.
Rico Dowdle had a career game in the victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, which enabled the Cowboys reach their first two-game winning streak of 2024 and a 3-2 season record.
Elliott is focused on the three-man unit because it finally got the Cowboys’ rushing attack going, especially against the league’s second-ranked run defense, by adding Hunter Luepke more on most
Elliott remarked, “I think the biggest thing is we got the attempts [for the group].” “I believe that running the football early in the game is difficult because the defense is fresh and ready to go. However, you begin to see that D-line deteriorate as you get that second half and those efforts.
“We noticed those guys being pushed off the ball and that front wearing out. The most important thing, in my opinion, is to keep trying to obtain those tries.
When Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and KaVontae Turpin are taken into account, the committee’s total of 28 handoffs comes to 31. Head coach Mike McCarthy stated during the game that the sweet spot is about 30 carries.
For the first time this season, the mission was completed.
Regarding Elliott’s contribution to the committee’s relegation to a backup role, owner and general manager Jerry Jones was clear in outlining the Cowboys’ strategy: given the length of the NFL season, they will eventually require Elliott to have new legs.
The Dallas Cowboys will be without their top tackler Eric Kendricks against the Detroit Lions on Sunday in addition to top pass rusher Micah Parsons for the second consecutive game due to a high left ankle sprain.
Due to shoulder and calf ailments sustained during the week, Kendricks was ruled out on Friday. Kendricks is expected to be fit for the Cowboys’ October 27 return to action after their October 20 bye against the San Francisco 49ers.
Kendricks has played 91.1% of the snaps this season and has been credited with 52 tackles. In addition, he has three quarterback pressures, two sacks, one tackle for loss, one forced fumble, one interception, and two pass deflections.
Earlier in the week, coach Mike McCarthy referred to Kendricks as “our quarterback” in reference to his significance to the defense. He is well-versed in [the defense]. From a leadership standpoint, he is excellent at communicating, getting the front set, and, to be honest, he has a great deal of experience in that defense. incredibly intuitive. Very conscious. extremely well-behaved player.
Nick Vigil, Kendricks’ possible replacement, is doubtful due to a foot issue that prevented him from practicing this week. Vigil might play against the Lions on Saturday if he can get through the Cowboys’ next exercise without any problems.