Ezekiel Elliott’s performance appeared to be hampered by a partially torn PCL in his knee during the 2021 season. Despite this, the Cowboys RB recently expressed his desire to return and prove that he can still be an ace on the field.
Elliott admitted his shortcomings during Cowboys OTAs, but also the underlying cause, which is the injury. However, the 27-year-old asserted that it is deemed normal in football and therefore he had never thought of quitting.”I mean, I was hurt last year, but it’s football, after Week 1 no one is going to be 100%. That’s part of the game,” Elliot said. “I think I knew I was tough, I think I knew I could play through injuries … it was definitely tough, but hey, it’s my job.”
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The injury didn’t hold him back as he could still play in every game for the Cowboys, including the Wild Card Round loss to the San Francisco 49ers. He rushed for 1,002 yards and 10 touchdowns while also passing for 287 yards and two touchdowns. He completed seventh in the league in rushing yards and tied for seventh in rushing touchdowns.
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Nonetheless, he is aware that he must improve in the coming season. “I think every year we’ve got something to prove,” Elliott said.
Cowboys teammates credit Elliott for contribution to team
Elliott’s unwavering devotion to the team has not gone undetected, especially to guard Zack Martin. According to him, the Cowboys team acknowledges how he goes above and beyond in recent years to play a vital role in a team that has frequently struggled due to injuries.
“He loves this team and he gives everything of himself for this team,” Martin said, praising Elliot. “The last two years, that’s shown. Think back to 2020. Half of the offense is out and Zeke is still in there carrying the ball 20 times a game. So, we’ve got a lot of love on this team for Zeke, and we’re pumped to get him back going the right direction.”
Luckily, the PCL injury has completely healed after several months of recovery. According to coach Mike McCarthy, Elliott was clocked at 22 mph in a recent session.
Though he asserted that McCarthy was stretching the truth, Elliott is poised to be a powerful force as the Cowboys aims to make a return to the playoffs.
Elliott in final season with Cowboys
Elliott is in his final season with the Cowboys under a six-year $90 million contract. The Cowboys restructured the contract before it even went into effect, therefore they won’t be able to part ways with him until after the 2022 season.
This year, he’ll count for $18.2 million against the cap, nearly $3 million more than Derrick Henry at his position and almost $6.5 million more than Dalvin Cook, the third-highest-paid back. Additionally, his cap hit in 2023 is presently $16.2 million. However, the Cowboys can save nearly $4.9 million by releasing him next offseason – or $10.9 million by granting him a post-June 1 release.
In his six years in the league, he has steadily played at a high level, averaging over 900 yards per season and over 1,300 yards in three of them. Nonetheless, he believes he must prove himself this year after not going at full power last year.