The Dallas Cowboys may be without yet another key piece when they face the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. Running back Ezekiel Elliott had been limited in practice throughout the week with a hamstring injury, and it appears there is a real chance Elliott may miss Sunday’s contest.
A pregame workout will determine Elliott’s official status, but the Cowboys promoted fullback Sewo Olonilua from the practice squad to the gameday roster, bolstering the team’s backfield depth incase Elliott were to miss.
Sunday is Cowboys’ final game before bye. Ezekiel Elliott tweaked hamstring last Sunday on fourth-quarter fumble return. After he did less than expected in practice week, there is some thought it may be in his and team’s best interest that he not play. pic.twitter.com/efYxmN6ZqB
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) November 7, 2020
According to DMN’s Michael Gehlken, the hamstring injury occurred during the Eagles game sealing fumble return late in the Cowboys Week 8 loss, and some close to the team believe it would be in the clubs long term interest to let Elliott hold the star back out until after the bye.
It’s been a forgettable season for the Cowboys and Elliott, as the former Buckeye is at a career low in yards per carry with 3.9 (this season would be his first under 4.0) and already has five fumbles in just eight games.
Third-year running back Tony Pollard would likely see the bulk of the workload in Elliott’s absence, and rookie Rico Dowdle figures to see a snap increase as well.
Dowdle has three carries on the season, all in the Arizona loss.
The Cowboys were hoping to be able to rely on the run game in the absence of Dak Prescott, and especially in the absence of Andy Dalton, but it could be tough sledding once again as the Steelers have been excellent against the run this season, allowing just 96.9 rushing yards per game, a mark that is top five in the NFL.
The Cowboys are expected to start quarterback Garrett Gilbert on Sunday, but Cooper Rush should stay ready to be called upon as well.
Gilbert is set to be the Cowboys fourth quarterback in as many games, and the days of Dak Prescott and the Cowboys’ league-leading offense.
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