FRISCO, Texas – The Cowboys are swapping out one running back for another.
The team officially moved Ezekiel Elliott to the active roster on Saturday, enabling him to suit up for Sunday's season opener against the New York Giants. To do so, they released Alfred Morris.
The move comes after a week of speculation about who the Cowboys would release to make room on the roster. There had been speculation they could part ways with an offensive linemen, given that they're currently carrying 10 on the active roster.
Morris is a logical choice, though. With Elliott back in the fold, there aren't many reps left behind he and Tony Pollard. Morris also doesn't play a significant role on special teams, which makes it tricky to find a spot for him on the game day roster.
The Cowboys re-signed the veteran running back in July, just days after Elliott failed to report for training camp. He split reps with Darius Jackson as the primary backup to Pollard for most of August. This was his second stint with the Cowboys, as he previously signed on for the 2016 and 2017 seasons, tallying 184 carries for 790 yards and three touchdowns.
This isn't necessarily the end for Morris, however. As a vested veteran, he isn't subject to the waiver wire and is free to sign wherever he chooses. Assuming he isn't picked up by another club, he could find his way back to the Cowboys' roster in time.
Right now, it figures to be Elliott, Pollard and Jamize Olawale as the primary backfield. Jordan Chunn also figures to have a role on the Cowboys' special teams moving forward.
