Why did the Dallas Cowboys bring back Ezekiel Elliott if they are not going to use him

Amid the rise of Rico Dowdle as the Dallas Cowboys lead running back, cemented with last Sunday’s in the 20-17 victory over Pittsburgh Steelers, is the curious disappearance of two-time rushing champ Ezekiel Elliott.

It’s one thing to reward Dowdle for his breakthrough play _ he had career-high 20 carries for 87 yards, and added a couple of catches for 27 yards and a crucial touchdown _ it’s another to not have a defined role at all for Elliott.

After starting the season opener against the Cleveland Browns, rushing 10 times for 41 yards in the 20-15 victory, Elliott was replaced by Dowdle in the starting lineup in Week 2.

His role and performance diminished for the next three games.

He was actually the third running back to take the field behind Dowdle and the diminutive Deuce Vaughn against New Orleans Saints, Baltimore Ravens and New York Giants.

He was on the field of 32 snaps against the Browns, then it was 28, 15, 10 and 23.

Vaughn was inactive against the Steelers, so Elliott saw an increase in snaps.

His pedestrian stats don’t demand that he see the ball more. He has 98 yards on 30 carries in five games.

That includes 6 carries for 16 yards against the Saints, 3 for 6 against the Ravens, 5 for 19 against the Giants and 6 for 27 against the Steelers.

But his bruising straight line style also generally pays off with more touches.

Again, no one should be arguing that Elliott should get more touches than Dowdle.

But a case can be made that Elliott should have a more defined role as short yardage and goal line back, if nothing else.

And Dowdle’s strong performance against the Steelers that was nearly marred by game killing fumble provided certain evidence.

On 2nd-and-goal from 1 in the final moments of the game, Dowdle made the first mistake of not following the blocking scheme which likely would have led to a certain touchdown to the outside behind pulling guard Zack Martin. He inexplicably cut back to the middle and jumped in the air where met Steelers linebacker Elandon Roberts, resulting in a fumble.

Quarterback Dak Prescott saved the day by jumping on the ball and then throwing a game-winning touchdown pass to Jalen Tolbert two plays later.

Dowdle likely deserved the opportunity to finish the game.

But this is not about deserving, it’s about what’s best for the team. And while he is playing the best football of what has been a nondescript career so far, Dowdle is still a work on progress at running back.

He runs hard but he lacks patience at times and misses reads.

“If anything, [Dowdle] just needs to maybe slow down, and that comes with experience,” Coach Mike McCarthy said.

And while the running game was better against the Steelers, it is still not fixed. It was 19th straight game without a 100-yard rusher, which is now the longest streak in franchise history.

If you are not at least going to use Elliott on the goal line, why did you sign him to the roster?

Ever since the Cowboys re-signed Elliott after the draft and throughout training camp, they touted his rugged running style and nose for the end zone.

It was a definite for a team that struggled to score in the red zone last season, especially on the ground.

Even a declining Elliott rushed for 12 touchdowns in 2022 before he was released in the offseason due to a high salary and a reduced production.

Last year with the New England Patriots, he led the team in rushing yards and receptions and scored five touchdowns.

Jerry Jones touted his play with the Patriots as a reason to bring him back to the Cowboys.

He certainly has a history of scoring touchdowns and having a nose for the end zone.

Dowdle doesn’t.

It was a decision that nearly cost the Cowboys the game on Sunday.

Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy isn’t second guessing his decision.

He said the running back hierarchy will remain the same against the Detroit Lions on Sunday.

“Our approach to the game this week will probably be similar to last week,” McCarthy said.

Jones said Elliott’s time will come.

“It’s a long season,” Jones said. “Judiciously managing snaps of veteran players is a big part of the whole show.”

Elliott has tried to remain patient and support his teammates.

But he is at a loss for words when asked to explain his role.

The Cowboys didn’t play Elliott in the preseason and used him judiciously in training camp with express to limit his wear and tear and save him for the season.

When asked what they were saving him for if he was not going to be used, Elliott looked up and bit his lip.

If not now when?

If not Elliott, why not give practice squad running back Dalvin Cook, a four time Pro Bowler a look.

He is getting reps with the first team in practice and his time is certainly coming.

Will it be at the expense of Elliott?