In the early stages of the 2024 NFL season, Ezekiel Elliott finds himself in an unfamiliar situation with the Dallas Cowboys. Though his return was highly anticipated, Elliott has encountered a decrease in his on-field involvement since the Week 1 victory over the Cleveland Browns. This adjustment has not deterred the veteran running back from maintaining his positive attitude and team-first mentality.

Despite the changes in his role, Elliott remains focused on the success of the Cowboys' running game. The team achieved notable success against the formidable Pittsburgh Steelers, a game that marked Rico Dowdle's career highlight and contributed to the Cowboys' 3-2 record. The boost in the Cowboys' ground attack, even against one of the top run defenses in the league, has Elliott optimistic about the direction of the team.

Elliott emphasized the importance of persistent rushing attempts, particularly as the game progresses and defenses tire. “I think the biggest thing is we got the attempts [for the group],” Elliott stated. He highlighted the wear and tear on the defensive line as the game advances, leading to more effective rushing opportunities in the later stages.

Head coach Mike McCarthy has targeted around 30 carries per game as the optimal number for the team's backfield committee. In the game against the Steelers, the Cowboys nearly achieved this goal, with a total of 31 carries spread among Elliott, Dowdle, Hunter Luepke, Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and KaVontae Turpin.

The strategic approach to Elliott's reduced workload is a calculated move by the Cowboys' management. Team owner and general manager Jerry Jones clarified the intention behind this decision. Jones pointed out the long NFL season ahead and the necessity of preserving Elliott's fresh legs for critical moments. He praised Dowdle’s performance but underscored the need to manage his opportunities due to past injuries.

Elliott acknowledges this strategic approach and trusts in the plan laid out by the team. “It is definitely a little different, but I mean just to keep my head down, continue to work. Hopefully my opportunity comes,” Elliott remarked, emphasizing his focus on team success rather than individual accolades.

The Cowboys’ cautious utilization of Elliott is poised to pay dividends as the season progresses. By playing the long game and ensuring their star running back is in peak condition for the latter part of the season, the Cowboys hope to maximize their chances of winning crucial games and advancing deep into the playoffs.