- Although his six-game suspension was upheld, Adam Schefter has reported Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott will be eligible to play Sunday night against the New York Giants.
- Elliott had an outstanding rookie campaign, ending the year with the second-highest overall grade among all running backs with an 88.8. Elliott only trailed Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell, who finished with a 91.9 despite missing the first four games.
- The Ohio State product was also a factor in the pass game for Dallas, leading all rookie backs in yards per route run (1.37), and showcased the ability to bust big runs, with a breakaway percentage of 33.7, ranking third among all rookie backs. His 22 runs of 15 or more yards tied for the overall NFL lead.
- Once Elliott’s suspension begins Week 2 as expected, the Cowboys are expected to lean on the trio of Darren McFadden, Alfred Morris, and Rod Smith. In admittedly limited action, all three graded below average in 2016, finishing the year with grades of 68.1, 46.6, and 58.7, respectively. This past preseason however, Smith and Morris fielded the two highest elusive ratings (uses missed tackle rate and yards gained after contact to measure a runner’s success beyond the point of being helped by his blockers) among 36 qualifying running backs with a 126.4, and 110.0 respectively (minimum 25 attempts).
© 2025 PFF - all rights reserved.