Ezekiel Elliott, the veteran running back and two-time NFL rushing champion, has found a new home with the Los Angeles Chargers.
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport broke the news that Elliott has signed with the Chargers practice squad, adding depth to the team ahead of their playoff run.
This move comes after Elliott’s recent release from the Cowboys, where he spent the majority of his celebrated career.
A Playoff Contender Adds Depth
Elliott’s signing marks a strategic move for the Chargers, who are facing injuries in their running back unit.
Leading rusher J.K. Dobbins has recently returned from a knee sprain, and Gus Edwards has been sidelined for the past two games due to an ankle injury.
With these uncertainties, Elliott’s experience and versatility provide a valuable option for the Chargers’ backfield.
Moreover, joining the Chargers reunites Elliott with several former Ohio State Buckeyes, including defensive end Joey Bosa and running back J.K. Dobbins.
Elliott and Bosa were top-five picks in the 2016 draft, and their shared history could foster camaraderie in the locker room.
Ezekiel Elliott’s Journey To The Chargers
After requesting his release from the Cowboys, Elliott made it clear that he aimed to join a playoff-bound team.
The 29-year-old running back had a modest 2024 season in Dallas, rushing for 226 yards and three touchdowns on 74 carries.
While his prime years as a dominant force in the NFL are behind him, Elliott still offers reliable pass protection and goal-line capabilities.
Selected fourth overall in the 2016 NFL Draft, Ezekiel Elliott quickly made an impact in the league.
He earned First-Team All-Pro honors and a Pro Bowl nod during his rookie season, leading the league in rushing yards.
Furthermore, his tenure with the Cowboys included multiple Pro Bowl appearances and significant contributions to the team’s offense.
What’s Next For Ezekiel Elliott?
Elliott’s immediate focus will be integrating into the Chargers’ system under head coach Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman.
With just days until the Chargers’ Wild Card Weekend opener against the Texans, Elliott may have a chance to contribute if injuries persist in the backfield.
His postseason experience—which includes six playoff games with 393 rushing yards—could prove invaluable.
The Chargers are set to face the Texans on Saturday at NRG Stadium in Houston.
Whether Elliott takes the field remains to be seen, but his presence on the roster bolsters a team aiming to make a deep playoff run.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Ezekiel Elliott grew up in Alton, Illinois, with athletically gifted parents. His mother, Dawn, previously Dawn Huff, excelled in three sports at the high school level before becoming a track athlete at the University of Missouri. His father, Stacy, played football at Missouri as a linebacker and went on to run Fifth Down Enterprises as CEO. After signing his rookie contract, Elliott purchased a new home for his parents.
- He became an investor in OnCore Golf Technology, a Buffalo-based golf ball company, in August 2020.
- In May 2021, Ezekiel faced legal issues when his dogs attacked two people near his home in Frisco, Texas, resulting in police involvement.
