The NFL season is rolling along. And well? Let’s just say that things are heating up in Dallas, baby! The Cowboys are dealing with all the usual chaos: injuries, strategy shifts, and the inevitable drama. One hot topic? Ezekiel Elliott’s comments about feeling “dumbfounded” over his role in the team’s run game. Jerry Jones is jumping in to set the record straight. So what’s really going on with Zeke?

Ezekiel Elliott made some splashes when he was allegedly “dumbfounded.” You might think what about? Well, about his lack of touches, especially in the red zone! You can bet Jerry Jones didn’t let that slide. He’s out here labeling Zeke’s comments as “an exaggeration” and a “bad description of how he feels about things.” He went on to say, “He’s very much aware of the part of the running game that he’s involved with.” So basically, Jones is saying Zeke is in the loop, even if he doesn’t like the script right now.

But let’s cut to the chase—this isn’t just a simple case of Zeke feeling sorry for himself. Jones is making it clear that they’re playing it smart with Zeke’s health. “We’re saving him…we want to protect him during this particular time,” he stated. With Elliott’s history of injuries, it’s no wonder they’re cautious. Keeping him fresh for the long haul is their priority. Jones knows the playoffs are looming, and they need Zeke at his best when it counts.

And check this out: the Cowboys have backup running backs, and they’re not afraid to use them. Jones gushed about Rico Dowdle, saying, “He’s a violent runner, he’s an outstanding runner.” So yeah, he’s got options! Plus, let’s not forget about Dalvin Cook hanging out in the wings. Jones mentioned, “Don’t exaggerate that…he’s there for everybody to see. It’s no secret, and we’re gonna use them.” So, Zeke might not be the only one carrying the ball.

The bigger picture: Cowboys’ running game strategy

Now look at the bigger picture of the Cowboys’ running game. So far, it’s been kind of a mess! They’re sitting at 30th in the league with just 410 rushing yards. Ouch! Remember 2019? They were kings of the field with over 2,100 rushing yards. What happened? Fast forward to this season, and it feels like they’re trying to rediscover their groove. With Zeke averaging just 4.3 carries per game, fans are definitely scratching their heads. Come on, he had only 30 carries for 98 yards this year—what gives?

This is where Dak Prescott enters the chat. Carrying the team with his passing game, he has averaged an impressive 7.5 yards per attempt. While the run game struggles, he’s picking up the slack. But the offense? Yeah, they gotta even out. If Zeke can break loose and combine that with Prescott’s passing finesse, defenses will really have their hands full!

Now, about that timeline for Cook or Zeke’s snaps—Jones is playing it close to the vest. He said, “There’s no timeline and just like there’s no bright line as to Zeke’s snaps.” Translation? They’re feeling it out as the game progresses. This flexible approach is crucial when the NFL season can shift in a heartbeat. Adapting to who’s hot at any given moment is vital if they want to find their rhythm.

In the end, Jerry Jones is laying it out: Ezekiel Elliott’s comments are just part of a bigger picture. They’re all about managing his health and using the talent available to keep the offense balanced. As we watch the drama unfold, it’ll be interesting to see if Zeke steps up and how the Cowboys juggle their lineup. It’s a wild ride ahead, and one thing’s for sure—Dallas will have to keep pushing if they want to get back on top!