Status update on Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott ahead of Patriots game

On3 imageby:Jonathan Wagner10/17/21

Jonathan Wagner

Randy Moss gives hot take on the 2021 Dallas Cowboys Dak Prescott
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Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott went into Sunday morning listed as questionable with a rib injury. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Elliott will be active for the Cowboys’ game against the New England Patriots.

Elliott started the season slow with just 33 yards on 11 carries in the Cowboys’ season opening loss to the Buccaneers. But since then, Elliott has seemingly found his form as one of the NFL’s top running backs yet again. Elliott has rushed for a touchdown in four consecutive games and has two straight games with at least 110 rushing yards.

On the season, Elliott is averaging 5.3 yards per carry with 452 yards and five touchdowns on 85 carries. He also has nine receptions for 55 yards and a touchdown. The former Ohio State star is on pace to blow past last year’s totals of 979 rushing yards and five touchdowns.

Multiple Cowboys are dealing with injuries in addition to Elliott

On Friday’s injury report, seven players were listed with six being limited participants. Defensive end Dorance Armstrong did not participate and is not expected to play on Sunday.

Elliott, Trevon Diggs, Damontae Kazee, Donavan Wilson, Randy Gregory, and Tyron Smith were all viewed as questionable coming into the weekend for the Cowboys. While Elliott will play, the status for some of these other players is still uncertain. It does appear, though, that Diggs, Smith, Gregory, and Kazee are on track to be active in some fashion against the Patriots.

Elliott being active on Sunday is a big boost for the Cowboys offense against what is a solid Patriots defense. The Dallas offense has been good this season and Elliott has had a big role in that. In addition to Elliott, Tony Pollard is seeing success in the running game for the Cowboys. Pollard has 325 yards and a touchdown on 51 carries, averaging 6.4 yards per carry.