Sunday’s game is an important one for New England Patriots running back Ezekiel Elliott.
Elliott will be making his return to AT&T Stadium to face his former team, the Dallas Cowboys. The Ohio State product starred for Dallas for seven seasons after being picked fourth overall in the 2016 NFL Draft.
The Cowboys cut Elliott this past offseason in a salary cap move, but the three-time Pro Bowler has been effective thus far for New England. All of that leads to an “increased role” for Elliott against his old mates today, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
“They know in this building how much this game means to him. I’m told he’s expected to get starter reps at running back,” Rapoport said Sunday morning.
From @NFLGameDay: #Patriots RB Zeke Elliott, impressive thus far, is expected to get starter reps against his former team, meanwhile #Colts RB Jonathan Taylor will have his practice window opened this week. pic.twitter.com/trf0OZXW7i
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 1, 2023
Elliott has carried 28 times for 122 yards in three games and is coming off a 16-carry, 80-yard effort in last week’s win over the New York Jets. He’s also added six receptions for 21 yards.
The Patriots (1-2) and Cowboys (2-1) will kick off at 4:25 p.m. ET this afternoon on FOX.