Ezekiel Elliott's tenure with the Dallas Cowboys is reportedly coming to an end, as the team prepares to release the running back ahead of their final game of the 2024 season. According to NFL insider Josina Anderson, Elliott voluntarily requested to be released from the team. The news comes as the Cowboys have been eliminated from playoff contention, and they are set to face the Washington Commanders on Sunday without Elliott in the lineup.

Elliott began his professional career with the Cowboys and spent the first seven seasons with the franchise before signing with the New England Patriots during the 2023 offseason. However, his time with the Patriots did not yield the expected results, leading to his return to the Cowboys this year. Unfortunately for Elliott, his reunion with the team that originally drafted him did not unfold as anticipated, as he is experiencing the worst statistical season of his career. Throughout this season, he has accumulated just 226 yards and three touchdowns on 74 carries, alongside 69 receiving yards from 12 receptions.

This challenging season was further complicated by disciplinary issues, resulting in Elliott's absence during the Cowboys' Week 9 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. Reports indicated that Elliott missed three team meetings and exhibited a pattern of tardiness. During his absence, the Dallas run game saw fifth-year running back Rico Dowdle surge to prominence, amassing 1,007 rushing yards with one touchdown on 213 carries, in addition to gathering 237 receiving yards and three touchdowns. Overall, Elliott's second stint with the Cowboys starkly contrasts with his initial years, where he consistently surpassed the 1,000 rushing yard mark. As the season comes to a close, Elliott will now contemplate his future options, whether that involves joining another team before the playoffs or preparing for free agency this offseason.