Chargers Sign Ezekiel Elliott to Bolster Running Back Depth
LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Chargers are set to boost their roster by signing running back Ezekiel Elliott to their practice squad pending a physical, a source confirmed to ESPN. Fox Sports initially reported this development, revealing that the Dallas Cowboys had waived Elliott earlier this month. Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones stated that this decision was made “out of respect and appreciation for Zeke,” providing him with the opportunity to explore potential playoff participation.
Elliott, a 29-year-old player, had 74 carries for 226 yards and three touchdowns in 14 games with the Cowboys this season. The Cowboys sidelined him for a game against the Atlanta Falcons on November 3 due to missed meetings. The Chargers’ running back, Gus Edwards, has been out of action since the team’s Week 16 win over the Denver Broncos, where he sustained an ankle injury that was later aggravated during practice. Edwards had previously been on injured reserve due to a separate ankle issue earlier in the season.
Potential Stand-in for Gus Edwards
The decision to sign Elliott is likely a precautionary measure in case Edwards is unfit to play in the upcoming wild-card matchup against the Houston Texans on Saturday. Elliott will have three days of practice to get up to speed before the crucial game. This move is not expected to significantly impact the workload of L.A.’s lead running back, J.K. Dobbins, who has had an impressive season with 1,058 yards from scrimmage.
Impact on Other Running Backs
However, this signing could lead to reduced playing time for running backs Kimani Vidal and Hassan Haskins. Vidal and Haskins might see their roles diminish with the addition of Elliott to the Chargers’ roster. Despite the potential changes, the team remains focused on enhancing their running back depth for the upcoming playoff game.
In a league where injuries and unexpected setbacks can alter a team’s fortunes, securing Ezekiel Elliott could prove to be a strategic move for the Chargers as they gear up for the postseason. With hopes of a strong performance from Elliott and the rest of the team, the Chargers are ready to face the challenge that lies ahead in their pursuit of playoff success.