3 years agoDallas Cowboys running back
Ezekiel Elliott looked spry and powerful in Week 1, but that didn't amount to much production in what was a rough performance by the Cowboys as a whole. Elliott ran the ball 10 times, gaining 52 yards, and was targeted twice, catching one pass for a three yard loss. The good news is that he did look much better than he did for most of the 2021 season, but with quarterback
Dak Prescott (hand) expected to miss up to two months, the Cowboys offense might not have too many positive game scripts which could lead to fewer touches for "Zeke". He's shaping up to be more of an RB2/3 until Dak returns.
--David A Marcillo - RotoBallerSource: NFL.com
3 years agoDallas Cowboys running back
Ezekiel Elliott should get off to a decent start in Week 1 against the Tampa Bay Bucs. The days of Elliott being an unquestioned top-tier fantasy running back are likely over, but he should still be able to put up solid runs as the 1A in the Cowboys backfield alongside
Tony Pollard. Elliott's explosiveness just wasn't there last season, but he was playing on a partially torn PCL since Week 4, so the hope is that he will get some of that burst back despite the almost 2,000 NFL touches he's amassed in his career so far. He should be looked at as a mid-range RB2 with some touchdown upside to start the year.
--David A Marcillo - RotoBallerSource: Rotoballer
3 years agoThe Athletic's Bob Sturm expects the 2022 season to be running back
Ezekiel Elliott's last with the Dallas Cowboys. Elliott has lacked explosiveness in recent seasons and his rushing yards per game have fallen every year of his career. His yards per game receiving have also dropped every year since 2018, and he's unlikely to suddenly improve in those areas in 2022. His salary cap number next year isn't guaranteed and will be about $17 million. The Cowboys said they are fully committed to the 27-year-old this year, but fantasy managers probably aren't expecting much despite the fact that he rushed for 1,000 yards in 2021 for the fourth time in six seasons.
Tony Pollard, who looked much more explosive last year, should continue to steal valuable touches away from Zeke, making Elliott a clear RB2 instead of an RB1 at this point.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: The Athletic - Bob Sturm
3 years agoDallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said on Saturday that running back
Ezekiel Elliott "has to be the focus" in the run game this year. "He has to be the focal point" based on his work in the run game and pass game, Jones went on to say. "There is room for (Tony) Pollard while Zeke is in there." Elliott battled through a knee injury last year and Pollard was much more explosive and effective, but the Cowboys will continue to lean on Elliott. The 27-year-old had his fourth 1,000-yard season in 2021 and had 12 total touchdowns, but even if he remains the focal point, Pollard will get his touches, too. Zeke is no longer a slam-dunk RB1 in fantasy, but he should be a solid RB2 target in drafts this fall.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
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