(Editor's Note: In the upcoming weeks before the start of training camp, the staff of DallasCowboys.com is looking to answer the 20 biggest questions facing the team heading into the 2024 season. Today, the staff writers continue the series with their predictions on Ezekiel Elliott's production this year.)
14) What are realistic expectations for Zeke?
Nick Harris: The running back by committee approach will be fascinating to see Ezekiel Elliott factor himself into, but his pass protection and short-yardage ability will still be expected to produce at a high level. He isn't the consistent 1,000-yard back that he once was, but if he can put together 700 yards on the ground paired with an efficient complementary effort from Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn, Royce Freeman and the rest of the room, it might be enough for Dak Prescott to still work the offense. At the end of the day, that will be what is most important. As long as Prescott can have an efficient enough running game to still work the play action and operate normally, things will be fine in the running back room.
Kyle Youmans: Zeke completed seven seasons in Dallas, surpassing 875 rushing yards and at least eight total touchdowns in every one of them. At this point in his career, this may be the ceiling for his statistical contribution. He'll most likely be used as a short-yardage and pass protecting back to start out, with the opportunity to earn more consistent carries as the season continues. Especially if he proves his fitness and durability can last deep into the long NFL season. Last season in New England, he proved he can still pass block at an elite level and produce in the red zone. Both elements that Dallas is hungry for in their offensive scheme.
Nick Eatman: I think Fantasy Football players are going to have a hard time with Zeke this year. If I had to guess, he'll be someone on a roster in every league, but a week-to-week call on starting him. I know that doesn't answer the question, but my point is that I think he'll have some very productive weeks, especially down in the Red Zone because he'll be a good short-yardage option. I think Zeke might score anywhere from 7-10 touchdowns this season. That doesn't mean he will rack up a ton of yards because they will rotate the backs, something that should make him more effective. I could see him finishing somewhere around 600-800 rushing yards and maybe 25-30 catches out of the backfield. A 1,000-yard all-purpose yard season would be a good year for him, as long as the "committee" is also putting in some work as well.
Kurt Daniels: I think the production the Cowboys will get from Elliott in 2024 will look pretty similar to what he provided the Patriots in 2023. A season ago, Zeke averaged 13.8 touches and 56.2 total yards per game. He topped New England with 642 rushing yards while his 313 receiving yards ranked fifth. In addition, thirty-six times he took the handoff when there were 3 or fewer yards to go and on 27 of those attempts he either got the first down or scored. That scoring department, though, is where Dallas might be expecting more. Elliott had only three rushing touchdowns last year after posting 12 in 2022 with the Cowboys. That's where the team really is expecting (and need) him to make a difference.
