The Dallas Cowboys sit at 3-2 as they head into Week 6, riding a two-game winning streak. However, their journey hasn’t been without challenges. The Cowboys currently rank 31st in the NFL for rushing offense, averaging just 82 yards per game with a disappointing 3.5 yards per carry. The team has struggled to develop a strong ground game, and Ezekiel Elliott has now chosen to address his concerns with the coaching staff.
Cowboys News: Ezekiel Elliott Addresses Coaching Staff About His Role
Ezekiel Elliott spoke to reporters on Thursday, revealing that he approached the coaching staff to discuss his role on the team. The Ohio State product expressed that he is “dumbfounded” by his limited opportunities in the red zone. After returning to Dallas on a one-year deal in May, Elliott had hoped to take on a primary role in the backfield, but that hasn’t materialized.
His snap counts have consistently declined: 32 in Week 1, 28 in Week 2, 15 in Week 3, 10 in Week 4, and 23 in Week 5. Over the first five games, he has only 30 carries for a mere 98 rushing yards and one touchdown, averaging just 19.6 rushing yards per game. Surprised by his lack of production, Elliott felt it was necessary to address his concerns with the coaches, though it remains uncertain if this will lead to any changes.
The 29-year-old Ezekiel Elliott doesn’t appear to be the same player he once was, as running back Rico Dowdle has stepped up his game recently. In the victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Dowdle recorded a season-high 87 rushing yards along with 27 receiving yards.
If anyone is likely to receive more carries, it will be Dowdle rather than Elliott. This trend could spell trouble for the 2016 first-round pick, as his future in Dallas may be in jeopardy.