Dallas Cowboys Release Ezekiel Elliott After Veteran RB Requests Departure

The Cowboys granted Elliott's request to explore opportunities with playoff-bound teams after a disappointing second stint in Dallas.

Ezekiel Elliott, 29, was released by the Dallas Cowboys ahead of their Week 18 game against the Washington Commanders, following his request to leave the team.
The move was described by owner Jerry Jones as a gesture of respect, allowing Elliott to potentially join a playoff team before the postseason begins.
Elliott returned to Dallas this season after a year with the New England Patriots but struggled with career-low performance, tallying just 226 rushing yards and three touchdowns in 15 games.
Rico Dowdle emerged as Dallas's lead running back this season, becoming the first undrafted player in team history to rush for over 1,000 yards in a single season.
Elliott leaves the Cowboys as the franchise's third all-time leading rusher, with 8,488 yards and 71 rushing touchdowns over his nine-season NFL career.