Ezekiel Elliott expected to get ‘starter reps’ against the Cowboys
It will be a homecoming for Patriots running back Ezekiel Elliott as he returns to Dallas. The former Cowboys star running back will face his old team for the first time and is expected to get “starter reps” in the game, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Elliott played seven seasons with the Cowboys and part of four playoff teams in Dallas. The Cowboys elected to release Elliott back in March, mostly in part due to his inflated salary and the emergence of Tony Pollard.
Elliott signed a one-year, $3 million deal with New England towards the end of the preseason. Through the first three games with the Patriots, Elliott has 28 carries for 122 rushing yards. He rushed for 80 yards on 16 carries in the Week 3 win over the Jets.
With Elliott essentially coming home on Sunday, the running back is focused on keeping his emotions in check.
“(I’m) trying to keep the main thing the main thing,” Elliott said to The Athletic.
Elliott and Rhamondre Stevenson will look to feast on the Cowboys defense who surrendered 222 yards on the ground in a Week 3 loss to the Cardinals.
“It has to be interesting going back to your old team,” quarterback Mac Jones said, “but I know he did a lot of great things there, and we’re just trying to focus on how we can get him the ball and make him make plays like he did there. I know they have a lot of respect for him.”
Bill Belichick will likely ensure his No. 2 running back will get touches in the red zone to score against his old team.
“I’m very appreciative of the time I spent in Dallas,” Elliott said. “But once again, I’m only focused on getting a win.”
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