ESPN analyst breaks down Ezekiel Elliot's success with Cowboys

Ezekiel Elliott, now in his sixth NFL season with the Dallas Cowboys, continues to rush with efficiency, helping lead the Cowboys to a 5-1 record.

However, for quite some time, it seemed unclear whether Elliott would be able to return to his early-career form, which saw him rush for 1,631 yards — averaging 5.1 yards per carry — and 15 touchdowns as a rookie. Elliott’s productivity began to curtail, and in 2020 he averaged just four yards per carry, failing to eclipse 1,000 rushing yards and notching just six touchdowns.

But this year, Elliott has done an excellent job in the Cowboys’ backfield, rushing for 521 yards in six games — good for an average of 5.1 yards per carry, matching his rookie season — along with five touchdowns. ESPN analyst Greg Cosell on Saturday broke down what has made Elliott regain his effective form — and it starts with assessing run gaps.

Ezekiel Elliot is thriving behind the run-block schemes of OC Kellen Moore and the #DallasCowboys  physical O-line. Here, @GregCosell illustrates how Zeke assesses the run-gaps for defenders and makes the cutback to get to the 2nd level.#Skol  | #NFL  | @MattBowen41 pic.twitter.com/F2dHrAwlM7

— NFL Matchup on ESPN (@NFLMatchup) October 30, 2021

While the Cowboys have shown some great blocking courtesy of linemen like Terrence Steele and Zack Martin, which Cosell briefly mentions, Elliott’s ability to read the defense sets him apart.

Dallas Cowboys release final injury report ahead of game vs. Vikings

The Dallas Cowboys on Friday released the final injury report ahead of their Sunday Night Football game against the Minnesota Vikings, and a number of key players are included. Though Elliott is not injured, a number of his offensive linemen are banged up.

Limited Participants

Dorance Armstrong, DE (ankle)

Dak Prescott, QB (calf)

Tyron Smith, OT (ankle)

Tyron Smith, one of Elliott’s most productive blockers, has been dealing with a number of issues throughout the season, including a neck injury that he had a MRI on. He was limited in practice for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and he’s been dealing with an ankle injury. He suffered the ankle injury against New England on Oct. 17. Recently, the All-Pro tackle said he “feels better than he’s felt in years” as he prepares for the Vikings.

Full Participants

Trevon Diggs

Cedrick Wilson

Donovan Wilson

Trevon Diggs was a full practice participant on Friday and all signs say he’ll be good to go for the Cowboys-Vikings game. He was limited on Wednesday and Thursday, but got in a full practice on Friday, which means he should be ready to go for the game. Diggs is in the middle of a breakout year and is a candidate for NFL Defensive Player of the Year, so his presence will be massive for the Cowboys’ secondary.