Ezekiel Elliott Signs with Los Angeles Chargers Practice Squad
Ezekiel Elliott's pursuit of joining a playoff contender this season has culminated in a reported agreement with the Los Angeles Chargers. According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, Elliott will sign with the Chargers to enhance depth in their backfield. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport noted that this arrangement involves joining the team's practice squad, with the aim of having the former Dallas Cowboys running back get acclimated quickly.
Schultz further explained that Elliott attracted interest from several playoff teams; however, he opted for the Chargers due to a favorable fit. After spending the initial 16 weeks of the regular season with the Dallas Cowboys, Elliott faced an unexpected release on December 31. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones articulated the decision was made to grant Elliott the chance to pursue opportunities with a playoff team, expressing gratitude for his contributions over the years.
The Cowboys re-signed Elliott on a one-year deal during the offseason after his initial draft by the team in 2016. Over an eight-year tenure with Dallas, Elliott established himself as a key player before his release following the 2022 season. Following a brief stint with the New England Patriots in the 2023 season, he returned to the Cowboys as a backup to Rico Dowdle, recording 74 carries for 226 yards and three touchdowns across 15 games before his release. While Elliott's current value lies primarily in his blocking abilities during passing situations, he also serves as a reliable receiver for checkdowns. Many teams facing protection challenges could find his skill set beneficial, particularly in pivotal playoff scenarios.