Ezekiel Elliott focused on proving himself in upcoming season, not 'tough' 2021 season

It was a rough go for Ezekiel Elliott in 2021. The former Ohio State standout dealt with injuries as he split time in the Dallas Cowboys backfield with Tony Pollard.

But he’s not worried about how last year went. He has his sights set on the 2022 season, which is just around the corner.

Elliott still put up decent numbers in 2021, leading the Cowboys with 1,002 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground. But his health remained a question, and it will continue to be as he enters what could be the final year of his contract. Still, he’s trying to keep himself in the right mindset with the season a few months away.

“I mean, I control what I can control,” Elliott said, via The Dallas Morning News’ David Moore. “I focus on what’s in the near future. I’m not really worried about what’s going to be going on after next season unless we’re going on tour for winning the Super Bowl.”

As far as whether this year is a “prove-it” year for Elliott, the three-time Pro Bowler said that’s his mentality every season.

“I think every year we’ve got something to prove,” Elliott said.

Mike McCarthy gives update on Ezekiel Elliott’s health status

MIke McCarthy recently took the podium to answer a wide array of questions surrounding the Cowboys and the soon-to-be third-year Dallas head coach was asked specifically if he believes running back Ezekiel Elliott is at full health.

“I would hope so, I was looking at the GPS yesterday of the workouts on Tuesday and 22 miles per hour is pretty damn good, so yeah, he looks great,” McCarthy said.

That’s a pretty strong response from McCarthy, who is clearly alluding that Elliott recently reached top speeds in his workouts.

There was plenty of speculation about Elliott’s health last year as he shared carries with Tony Pollard and played through lingering injuries, but 22 MPH is beyond impressive, which points to a healthy Elliott in the offseason.