Cowboys and Dallas fans will miss Ezekiel Elliott post-release, but Dak Prescott may miss him more than anyone.
The running back and quarterback were two of the franchise’s 2016 draft picks, first and fourth, respectively, to sign long-term contracts with the Cowboys.
But in a move designed to free up space on the salary cap, Dallas parted ways with Elliot, leaving Prescott to deal with a “tough” situation.
“I really can’t imagine being on the field without him,” Prescott said Thursday. According to athletic“I still don’t know if it hit me outright. Obviously, I talked to him. I got hurt. I’m sure he does.”
The Cowboys officially made the cut on Wednesday, ESPN reported The move will save Dallas about $11 million in the 2023 salary cap, he said.
But the Cowboys, splitting Elliott and Carey, emerged as their top backfield option at times.
dallas morning news reported in January Elliott would have been willing to take a pay cut to stay with the franchise, and at this point it’s unclear if that approach would still unfold and end with Elliott returning under another contract. is.
“This is one of the hardest parts of running a team,” said Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. Some said in a statement on Wednesday. “Moments like this come and there are very difficult decisions and choices to be made. For the franchise. You have what it means to the Cowboys family as a person and as a player, and that will never change.”
Elliott led the NFL in rushing yards as a rookie and in his third season, and the former Ohio State star has three Pro Bowls in his first four seasons.
But his carries and yards-per-carry have continued to drop over the past three years, and the growth coincided with Pollard’s emergence when the Cowboys chose him as the 2019 fourth-round pick. .
“I know he has more chances,” Prescott said. “Proud of him, love him. No. 1 supporter who will be here for him no matter what.
Elliott, Prescott and the Cowboys finished 12-5 in 2022, advancing to the NFC Division Round before losing to the 49ers.
Pollard ended that game early after suffering a fractured left fibula that required offseason surgery.
