USA Today via Reuters
Sep 27, 2020; Seattle, Washington, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) runs for yards after the catch as Seattle Seahawks cornerback Ryan Neal (35) closes in for a tackle during the fourth quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports | Reuters
USA Today via Reuters
Sep 27, 2020; Seattle, Washington, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) runs for yards after the catch as Seattle Seahawks cornerback Ryan Neal (35) closes in for a tackle during the fourth quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports | Reuters
The Dallas Cowboys’ decision to let go of veteran running back Ezekiel Elliot has managed to offend a few. The Cowboys fans aren’t the only people who were hurt by this call, as the Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott and Hall of Famer Troy Aikman both paid their tributes to Ezekiel Elliot. However, the Cowboys have signed someone to fill his shoes.
Troy Aikman on the Cowboys releasing Ezekiel Elliott pic.twitter.com/xe3AU4UvCB
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) March 16, 2023
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Aikman termed the decision as “gut-wrenching” while Prescott said he “can’t imagine taking the field without” Elliott. Aikman went on to say, “Thank you Z, for giving everything you have including (playing) injured all of last year”. The Cowboys have however managed to find a worthy successor to Elliot.
Will he be a worthy successor to Ezekiel Elliot?
While many expected his NFL journey to be over, Rico Dowdle joined the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted rookie back in 2020. Dowdle spent most of his early days as a backup to veterans Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard. With Elliot out of the picture, the Cowboys have showcased their full trust in Dowdle, by re-signing him for the 2023 season.
The #Cowboys re-signed RB Rico Dowdle, per his agency @_SportsTrust.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 21, 2023
Injuries have been a major issue for the 24-year-old, as Dowdle hasn’t played much offense in his three years in Dallas and has just seven carries for 24 yards in his career.
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Dowdle’s performance with the special teams as both a kick returner and on the coverage unit played a big role in him making the roster in 2020. Rico’s impact however stayed limited, making a 64-yard kickoff return for a touchdown as the only notable contribution throughout the year.
The following season followed a similar storyline as Rico Dowdle ended up undergoing a hip fracture in the preseason, sitting out the entire season, while the 2022 season saw him miss time due to knee injuries. Dowdle staying fit should be the primary concern for the Dallas Cowboys if they want to see him succeed and make an active contribution.
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Do you think he will out perform Elliot?
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