Bottled up in loss

Elliott rushed 20 times for 47 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's 30-22 loss to the Rams. He added two catches (five targets) for 19 yards.

Analysis: Elliott couldn't get anything going against the Rams' stout front, as he was routinely being met with first contact behind the line of scrimmage. The star back was able to salvage his fantasy day with a touchdown from in close, but DFS owners were certainly hoping for a bigger output considering Elliott's price tag. Despite the poor finish, the 23-year-old proved yet again that he is one of the premier running backs in the game with 1,434 rushing yards and six touchdowns to go along with 77…read more

Compiles 169 scrimmage yards

Elliott carried 26 times for 137 yards and a touchdown during Saturday's 24-22 win over the Seahawks. He also caught four passes for 32 additional yards.

Analysis: Elliott eclipsed 30 touches for the third time this season, averaging 5.3 yards per carry while providing utility as a receiver as well. He scored on a one-yard touchdown plunge in the fourth quarter and could have had another on the next drive, but Dak Prescott took the ball in instead. Perhaps his best contribution came on the team's final scoring drive, when he got outside, picked up a first down and stayed in bounds to keep the clock running. The team's next opponent will depend on Sunday's…read more

Not on injury report

Elliott isn't listed on the Tuesday injury report for Saturday's playoff game against the Seahawks.

Analysis: Elliott was rested for a Week 17 win over the Giants, and while he's surely taken his fair share of bumps and bruises during a busy season, his availability for the playoffs was never in doubt. He's already feeling the benefit of sitting out the regular-season finale, saying Tuesday that he feels fresh and is ahead of his normal weekly schedule, per Todd Archer of ESPN.com. Elliott had 16 carries for 127 yards and three catches for 11 yards in a 24-13 road loss to the Seahawks in Week 3.

Injury had role in Week 17 absence

Head coach Jason Garrett admitted Monday that injuries played a role in Elliott being made inactive for Sunday's game against the Giants, Jon Machota of The Dallas Morning News reports. "He's been banged up a little bit with different parts of his body. We just felt like it was the right thing for him to not be a part of it yesterday. I do think he'll be fresher going forward," Garrett elaborated.

Analysis: Elliott missed his first game of the season Sunday at a time when the Cowboys had little to play for since the team was already locked into the NFC's No. 4 seed. However, it seems likely the league's leading rusher could have suited up had Dallas had something to gain, especially considering how management allowed quarterback Dak Prescott and receiver Amari Cooper to take the field. With a week-plus of rest in tow, Elliott should be back in the fold for the Cowboys' playoff opener Saturday…read more

Sidelined Sunday, as expected

Elliott (coach's decision) is listed as inactive Sunday at the Giants, David Helman of the Cowboys' official site reports.

Analysis: The decision follows a report from NFL Network's Jane Slater, who relayed earlier Sunday that the Cowboys were slated to rest Elliott in Week 17. Elliott thus will end the 2018 campaign with 304 carries for 1,434 yards, 77 receptions (on 95 targets) for 567 yards and nine total touchdowns in 15 games. Among his replacements, Rod Smith may take on the larger share of snaps out of the backfield because Darius Jackson has yet to earn a carry or target as a pro.

Not expected to play Week 17

Elliott is expected to be rested for Sunday's game against the Giants, team sources tell Jane Slater of NFL Network.

Analysis: Team owner Jerry Jones suggested earlier in the week that the Cowboys were unlikely to rest key starters in the regular-season finale, but that never seemed like a probable outcome with Dallas locked in as the NFC's No. 4 seed in the postseason. Elliott himself has also lobbied to play in Week 17, but it sounds like the Cowboys have ultimately decided to err on the side of caution and will hold their star running back out to avoid an injury heading into the playoffs. Ideally, Elliott's…read more

Intends to play

Elliott said he'll play in Sunday's game against the Giants, Kate Hairopoulos of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Analysis: While he doesn't have final say on the matter, Elliott did at least provide a glimpse into his team's possible logic for using key players in the regular-season finale. As Hairopoulos notes, the Cowboys aren't in the same place they were in 2016 when Elliott was rested for a meaningless Week 17 contest. That iteration of the team had already clinched the No. 1 seed with a 13-2 record, while the 2018 Cowboys are locked in as the No. 6 seed at 9-6. Of course, it will still be a major surprise if…read more

Expected to play Week 17

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said Monday that the Cowboys will go "all out" in their Week 17 matchup with the Giants, suggesting Elliott will play in the contest, Jon Machota of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Analysis: After defeating the Buccaneers in Week 16, the Cowboys clinched the NFC East title and are locked in as the conference's No. 4 seed in the postseason. With nothing on the line for Dallas in the regular-season finale, there's little to gain by using key players extensively and potentially exposing them to injury ahead of the playoffs. That said, if Elliott ends up seeing something resembling a normal workload Week 17, it would make him one of the better high-end fantasy plays at running back,…read more

Solid but unspectacular in win

Elliott rushed 18 times for 85 yards and brought in five of six targets for 24 yards in the Cowboys' 27-20 win over the Buccaneers on Sunday. He fumbled once but it was recovered by the offense.

Analysis: It was a rock-solid yet somehow underwhelming effort for Elliott, who's spoiled fantasy owners all season with some eye-popping numbers. His overall touches were down Sunday for the second straight week, which has resulted in back-to-back sub-100-yard tallies on the ground for only the third time this season. On the plus side of the equation, Elliott's work as a receiver continues as strong as ever, as he's now notched at least five receptions in seven straight games. With the Cowboys having…read more

Totals 128 scrimmage yards

Elliott carried 18 times for 87 yards and caught seven passes for an additional 41 yards during Sunday's 23-0 loss to the Colts.

Analysis: Elliott broke off some big gains as he averaged a respectable 4.8 yards per carry against an underrated Indianapolis front. He had a couple carries near the goal line, but he was stood up as the Cowboys failed to take advantage of numerous red-Zone opportunities. On a positive note, he was once again heavily involved as a receiver and now has 25 receptions over his last three games. He'll look to put on another workhorse performance in Week 16 at home against the Buccaneers.

Elevates to full practice

Elliott (shoulder) practiced in full Thursday, Rob Phillips of the Cowboys' official site reports.

Analysis: This week, Elliott dealt with the aftereffects of a lowering the helmet penalty call that forced him to the sideline for a spell Week 14 against the Eagles, kicking it off with a limited showing at Wednesday's practice. After elevating to a full participant Thursday, Elliott is ready to follow up a 40-touch, 192-yard-from-scrimmage performance, though Sunday's matchup at Indianapolis brings with it the eighth-ranked run defense (102.9 yards per game).

Back practicing Thursday

Elliott (shoulder) will participate in Thursday's practice, Jon Machota of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Analysis: Elliott appeared on the Cowboys' initial Week 15 injury report with a sore shoulder, but his absence from Wednesday's practice was characterized as more of a maintenance day than anything. The running back's presence at practice a day later supports that notion, though it won't be known until after the session concludes whether Elliott was a limited or full participant. Either way, Elliott is in no danger of missing Sunday's game against the Colts and should again be on tap for a sizable…read more

Dealing with shoulder injury

Elliott was held out of practice Wednesday due to a shoulder injury, Calvin Watkins of The Athletic reports. "Just a maintenance day," Elliott told Jon Machota of The Dallas Morning News. "Just got a little sore shoulder. It's late in the season. I've had a lot of touches. Just trying to make sure I'm fresh for [Sunday's game against the Colts]."

Analysis: After Elliott ripped up the Eagles for 192 yards from scrimmage in the Cowboys' Week 14 win, coach Jason Garrett relayed the running back was feeling fine as a result of a neck injury he suffered in the fourth quarter. Elliott was seen in sweats at the beginning of Wednesday's practice, though, creating questions about his health. He put them to rest with his comments afterward. Elliott has two more sessions this week to prove that the shoulder issue won't impact his upcoming availability.

Sits out practice Wednesday

Elliott (neck) didn't participate in practice Wednesday, Kate Hairopoulos of The Dallas Morning News

Analysis: Hairopoulos notes that Elliott was on the field Wednesday but was in sweats, while his teammates practiced with their helmets on. Per Todd Archer of ESPN.com, the running back suffered a stinger in Sunday's overtime win over the Eagles, but returned to the game and finished with 28 carries for 113 yards and 12 catches for 79 yards. The Cowboys will provide their first Week 15 practice report later Wednesday, which will indicate if Elliott was a non-participant due to injury or merely for rest.…read more

Feeling OK following neck injury

Coach Jason Garrett said Elliott doesn't seem to have any lingering issues from the neck injury he suffered during Sunday's 29-23 overtime win against the Eagles, David Helman of the Cowboys' official site reports.

Analysis: On the Cowboys' first possession of the fourth quarter, Elliott incurred a 15-yard penalty for lowering his head to initiate contact. Because he took some time to stand up, the training staff examined him intently but never gave him an official designation as he reentered the game six snaps later, per Todd Archer of ESPN.com. Elliott didn't seem worse for wear thereafter en route to 192 yards from scrimmage on 40 touches, surpassing his previous career high in the latter category by six. Due to…read more

Receives 40 touches

Elliott carried the ball 28 times for 113 yards, adding another 79 yards on 12 receptions (13 targets).

Analysis: Elliott was unable to extend his touchdown streak to five games, but he still produced a strong fantasy line, especially for those in PPR formats. The 22-year-old has been used as a pass catcher more often this year than in either of his previous two seasons. Zeke isn't as dynamic of a receiver as some of the other pass-catching backs that have 50-plus receptions (e.g. Alvin Kamara, Christian McCaffrey, Tarik Cohen), as most of his catches come on more traditional swing and screen passes out of…read more

Productive all-around stat line

Elliott rushed 23 times for 76 yards and brought in all six of his targets for 60 yards and a touchdown in the Cowboys' 13-10 win over the Saints on Thursday.

Analysis: Elliott was mostly held in check by a stingy Saints run defense, but he was able to move the chains as needed and also played a significant role in the air attack. The third-year back's reception total checked in second on the Cowboys to Amari Cooper, and he now has at least five catches in four consecutive contests. Elliott's 16-yard receiving touchdown in the first quarter served as his third of 2018, giving him a score in four straight games. The 23-year-old will look to continue his strong…read more

Not listed on injury report

Elliott (hip) isn't listed on the injury report the Cowboys released following Monday's practice.

Analysis: Per Kate Hairopoulos of The Dallas Morning News Elliott was rested Sunday due to some hip soreness, but the running back practiced without limitations Monday. That sets the stage for him to fill his usual high-volume role out of the backfield in the Cowboys' Thursday night matchup with the Saints in Week 13.

Dealing with sore hip

Elliott was held out of practice Sunday to rest a sore hip but was back on the field Monday with his teammates, Kate Hairopoulos of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Analysis: Elliott apparently got a bit banged up in the 31-23 win over Washington on Thanksgiving Day, though the hip issue didn't prevent him from piling up 143 yards and a score on 31 touches. He may be listed as a limited participant when the Cowboys release their initial practice report for Week 13 in advance of Thursday's difficult matchup with the Saints. Dallas also has some injury concerns on the offensive line, which could be problematic against a New Orleans defense ranked first in rushing…read more

Scores for third straight game

Elliott carried 26 times for 121 yards and a touchdown Thursday against the Redskins. He also caught five passes for an additional 22 yards in the 31-23 win.

Analysis: Elliott set season highs in carries and touches, finishing with a respectable 4.7 yards per carry against a solid Washington front. He also made an impact as a pass catcher, ranking second on the team in receptions while tying for second in targets. Elliott has been outstanding over the last three games, topping 140 scrimmage yards while finding the end zone in each contest. He'll look to keep up his outstanding form next Thursday against the Saints and their solid run defense.

Totals 201 scrimmage yards

Elliott carried 23 times for 122 yards and a touchdown Sunday against the Falcons. He also logged seven catches for 79 yards in the 22-19 win.

Analysis: Elliott gashed Atlanta repeatedly, as he finished averaging 5.3 yards per carry and scored on a 23-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. He also led the team in targets, catches and receiving yardage, going over 200 scrimmage yards for the second time this season in the process. Elliott has been handed a huge workload in the last two weeks and has enjoyed tremendous success, helping the team back to .500 with a pair of improbable road wins. Expect the star tailback to play a central role in…read more

Runs wild in Philly

Elliott ran the ball 19 times for 151 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 27-20 win over the Eagles. He added 36 yards and another score on six receptions.

Analysis: Elliott tied his season high of 7.9 yards per carry, which is even more impressive considering he was bottled up for just four yards on his first three carries Sunday. The star back had been slumping to the tune of 94 total rushing yards over his last two games, so his fantasy owners certainly welcomed this offensive explosion. This was also the first multi-touchdown performance of the year for Elliott, a feat he accomplished three times by this point in 2017. While his production is down…read more

Accounts for 112 yards against Titans

Elliot rushed 17 times for 61 yards and caught four of five targets for 51 yards in Monday night's 28-14 defeat to the Titans.

Analysis: Elliot once again couldn't get much going on the ground behind an offensive line that also allowed its quarterback to be sacked five times. In fact, Elliot has now averaged under 4.0 yards per carry in three of the Cowboys' last four games. Fortunately, he was able to post his second-best receiving mark of the season, thanks in part to a 37-yard gain in the first quarter. While his 112 total yards still made it a decent showing by his standards, Elliott's lack of blocking has been concerning of…read more

Shut down in loss

Elliott rushed 15 times for 33 yards and added nine yards on two receptions in Sunday's 20-17 loss to the Redskins.

Analysis: Except for the catch total, all of those numbers represent season lows for the stud running back. The Redskins clearly made it part of their game plan to contain Elliott, and they were successful. Nevertheless, the Ohio State product remains one of the game's elite backs. He'll have a bye week to rest up before attempting to rebound at home against Tennessee in Week 9.

Totals 117 scrimmage yards in win

Elliott carried 24 times for 106 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's 40-7 win over the Jaguars. He also caught his only target for an additional 11 yards.

Analysis: Elliott went over 100 rushing yards for the third time this season and broke off a long gain of 20 yards. He was rewarded for his efforts with a 15-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter as the Cowboys continued to pour it on after building a sizable lead. While Elliott wasn't quite as involved as a pass catcher in this one, that can merely be attributed to the fact that his team led from the beginning and was content to run the ball. He hadn't reached the end zone on the ground since Week 2,…read more

Suffocated by Houston

Elliott carried 20 times for 54 yards during Sunday's 19-16 overtime loss to the Texans. He also secured all seven of his targets for 30 yards.

Analysis: The key to shutting down the Cowboys offense is to prevent Elliott from running wild, and that's exactly what the Texans did Sunday. Entering the game giving up 3.5 yards per rushing attempt -- the fourth-lowest mark in the league -- Houston was a tough matchup for Elliott from the start, and there was only so much the talented tailback could do when his offensive line struggles to open up many holes. If there's a bright side to the game, Elliott escaped without an injury, which is significant…read more

Starts week without limitations

Elliott (knee/ankle) said he was a full participant at Wednesday's practice and feels as good as he has all season, Jon Machota of The Dallas Morning News reports. "Honestly, this is the best Wednesday practice I've had," Elliott said. "It's the freshest I've felt any Wednesday. I did a good job coming in and making sure I got my treatment so I was ready to go. I'm good."

Analysis: Elliott came out of Sunday's 26-24 win over the Lions with a couple minor injuries after piling up 240 scrimmage yards and reaching the end zone once across 29 touches. He apparently responded well to treatment the past couple days, leading to an unexpected full practice to kick off the week. Elliott should stay busy Week 5 in Houston, where he'll face a Texans defense that is allowing just 3.5 yards per carry and 94.3 rushing yards per game.

Expected to practice in some capacity

Coach Jason Garrett said he expects Elliott (knee/ankle) to "do something" during Wednesday's practice, David Helman of the Cowboys' official site reports.

Analysis: It remains to be seen whether Elliott's activity will result in him being listed as a full, limited or non-participant on the team's practice report, but the fact that he's in uniform for the Cowboys' first session of the week is a positive sign. Team owner Jerry Jones noted a day ago that while Elliott is "banged up," the Cowboys are optimistic the running back will be available for Sunday's game in Houston. While playing through knee bursitis and ankle soreness in the Week 4 win over the…read more

Banged up, should play Week 5

Owner and general manager Jerry Jones said Tuesday that Elliott (knee, ankle) is "banged up, but not to the extent" he won't be able to play Sunday in Houston, Jon Machota of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Analysis: Elliott emerged from a Week 4 win against the Lions with knee bursitis and a sore ankle, the result of a hefty workload. Referencing the 25 carries and four catches from that contest, Jones added, "I do want that kind of workload for him." In the end, Elliott compiled a career-high 240 yards from scrimmage and tacked on his third touchdown of the season. Wednesday's injury report will give the first indication whether the knee and ankle woes will impact his activity level during Week 5 prep.

Plays through knee and ankle soreness

Elliott dealt with knee bursitis and ankle soreness during Sunday's 26-24 win over Detroit, but coach Jason Garrett expects the running back to be fine this week, Clarence E. Hill Jr. of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Analysis: Elliott didn't seem too bothered by the pair of minor injuries Sunday, piling up 152 yards on 25 carries along with 88 yards and a touchdown on four catches while playing through the final drive of the game. He may show up on the Week 5 injury report, but it doesn't sound like the Cowboys are worried about his availability for Sunday's game against the Texans.

Explodes for 240 scrimmage yards versus Lions

Elliott carried 25 times for 152 yards Sunday against the Lions. He also caught four passes for 88 yards and a touchdown in the 26-24 win.

Analysis: Elliott broke off several big gains both through the air and as a runner, notching a new career high in scrimmage yards. He was directly responsible for some pivotal moments in the game, including a nifty 38-yard catch and run into the end zone in the second quarter and a beautiful over-the-shoulder catch to set up the winning field goal in the final seconds. Elliott got off to a bit of a slow start to the season, but he's exploded for 378 scrimmage yards on 48 touches over the last two weeks.…read more

Runs for over 100 yards

Elliott ran 16 times for 127 yards and caught three of eight targets for 11 yards in Sunday's 24-13 loss at Seattle. He also lost a fumble.

Analysis: Elliott should've had a 31-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter, as he slipped away from the defense all alone down the sideline. He stepped out of bounds before he caught the pass, however, so there was a penalty called for illegal touching. Even though he posted his first 100-yard rushing game of the season, it was a tough day all around for Elliott, who also lost a fumble late in the game at the end of a nice 31-yard scamper on which it looked like he might score. The star back…read more

Scores again Week 2

Elliott rushed 17 times for 78 yards and one touchdown during Sunday's 20-13 victory over the Giants. He also secured five of six passes for nine yards.

Analysis: Elliott again overcame the injury woes that have struck his offensive line, averaging over 4.5 yards per carry and finding the end zone for the second time in as many weeks. With his heavy workload and elite skill set well documented, the only thing that's working against the running back's fantasy appeal at the moment is the Cowboys' relatively weak passing game that is hindering the offense's ability to keep drives alive. Fortunately, this unit seemed to take a step forward from Dallas'…read more

Finds end zone in loss to Panthers

Elliott carried 15 times for 69 yards and a touchdown Sunday against the Panthers. He also caught three of four targets for 17 additional yards in the 16-8 loss.

Analysis: Elliott struggled to get anything going early on, but he improved as the game went along and wound up with a respectable fantasy showing thanks to a four-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. He received an uncharacteristically low number of carries, tying for the third-fewest of his NFL career, and managed a long gain of 17 yards. Considering the difficulty of the matchup and that it was the first game of the season, Elliott's performance isn't much cause for concern, though fantasy owners…read more

Feeling more focused

Elliott believes his disappointing 2017 campaign has led to an improvement in his focus and intensity heading into the upcoming season, David Moore of The Dallas Morning News reports. "The chip on my shoulder is just not having a full year last year and not performing the way I believe I could have," Elliott said.

Analysis: Elliott's touch volume made him a first-rate fantasy asset when he played last year, but a six-game suspension and underwhelming mark of 4.1 yards per carry put a major stain on his season. He won't have to play with the weight of a possible suspension hanging over him this time around, and preseason concerns about the health of the Dallas offensive line have mostly cleared up. The team will be playing without standout center Travis Frederick (illness) indefinitely, but it seems the other four…read more

Set to rest Sunday

Elliott is not slated to play in Sunday's preseason game against the Cardinals, David Moore of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Analysis: The same goes for QB Dak Prescott, with the duo's next game action now not in line to arrive until Week 1 in Carolina. Elliott is primed for a massive workload, but injury woes along the Dallas offensive line could be problematic for his efficiency against a tough Panthers defense. The Cowboys at least seem optimistic about having LT Tyron Smith (hamstring), RG Zack Martin (knee) and RT La'el Collins (calf) ready for the start of the season, though the same can't be said of C Travis Frederick…read more

Unlikely to play

Elliott is unlikely to play in Sunday's preseason game against the Cardinals, Clarence E. Hill Jr. of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Analysis: Dallas may have wanted the third-year pro to get a bit of playing time this preseason, but injury woes along the offensive line mean Elliott and Dak Prescott likely will be held out Sunday. The Cowboys seemingly expect RG Zack Martin (knee), LT Tyron Smith (hamstring) and RT La'el Collins (calf, illness) to be ready for Week 1, but C Travis Fredrick may miss some time after being diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome. It's a concern for Elliott's fantasy stock, though not nearly enough to push…read more

Status undetermined for third preseason game

According to Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, it hasn't been determined whether Elliott will play in next Sunday's third preseason game against the Cardinals, Clarence Hill of the Star-Telegram reports.

Analysis: Elliott is yet to feature this exhibition slate as he gears up for another action-packed regular season. While he recently said he'll likely play in some capacity in next weekend's dress rehearsal, injuries to starting linemen Zack Martin (knee) and Travis Frederick (neck) would now offer him substandard protection. That situation could force Dallas to consider whether playing Elliott is worthwhile, leaving his status to be tracked in the coming week.

Expects to make one preseason appearance

Elliot said he'll likely play the first possession of the Cowboys' third preseason game Sunday, Aug. 26 against the Cardinals, Kate Hairopoulos of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Analysis: In essence, Elliot expects to replicate his exhibition workload from a season ago. The decision comes down to one of health as he prepares to handle a massive workload for the third consecutive season. In the first two, he averaged 23.6 and 26.8 touches per game, so his bell-cow status really isn't in question.

Looking slimmer at camp

Elliott looks quicker and leaner at training camp this year, Clarence Hill of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports. "You go at this time last year, he's very stressed out," Cowboys running backs coach Gary Brown said. "Wasn't himself. Looked big. Now he looks happy and jubilant and lean and just going out there and having some fun. So it's a completely different Zeke than it was last year."

Analysis: Elliott reported to training camp last year a bit over his usual playing weight, perhaps showing signs of stress from an offseason marked by unfavorable TMZ reports and the looming threat of a suspension. He was still productive once the season began, though his stat line was more a product of volume than efficiency, as he dropped from 5.1 yards per carry as a rookie to 4.1 in 2017. The 23-year-old had a quiet offseason this time around, and his conditioning will be of the utmost importance for…read more

Elliott may take on a larger pass-catching role to help compensate for the offseason departures of Dez Bryant and Jason Witten, Jon Machota of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Analysis: Elliott's 74.3 percent career catch rate (58 of 78 targets) is mediocre for a running back, but he owns impressive marks of 10.9 yards per catch and 8.1 per target, thanks to a pair of big plays -- 83 and 72 yards -- that account for 24.5 percent of his receiving output. While unlikely to reach the Le'Veon Bell/David Johnson workload in the passing game, Elliott should draw four or five looks per game as the Cowboys try to replace Bryant and Witten's 220 combined targets. Elliott led the league…read more

Elliott carried the ball 27 times for 103 yards while adding three catches for 38 yards in Sunday's 6-0 win over the Eagles.

Analysis: Very little went right for either offense in this one, but Elliott still came through with his fifth 100-yard rushing performance in 10 games and fell just 17 yards shy of another 1000-yard season. Assuming he stays out of the league's disciplinary crosshairs in 2018 and avoids another suspension, Elliott should be primed for a very productive campaign as the centerpiece of the Cowboys' offense.

Will play Week 17

Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett confirmed that Elliott would play Sunday against the Eagles, Clarence E. Hill Jr. of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Analysis: Elliott's return from a six-game suspension Week 16 against the Seahawks wasn't enough for the Cowboys to avoid a loss, which officially eliminated Dallas from playoff contention. Though the team has little at stake in Week 17, head coach Jason Garrett evidently wants the Cowboys to close the season on a high note, so the team's key contributors will suit up like usual. Despite his lengthy absence, Elliott didn't exhibit any noticeable rust against Seattle, producing 118 yards on 28 touches…read more

Elliott ran for 97 yards on 24 carries against Seattle on Sunday, adding four catches for 21 yards on seven targets.

Analysis: Elliott couldn't find the end zone Sunday, but that was more the result of surrounding circumstances than anything under his control. Elliott played most of the game without elite left tackle Tyron Smith, and the Seahawks defense was at much greater strength than a week ago with K.J. Wright and Bobby Wagner at fuller health. That Dak Prescott and the Dallas passing game got nothing going resulted in both stuttering drives and stacked fronts for Elliott. He gets a tough draw against Philadelphia…read more

Set for 'significant touches' in Week 16

Cowboys offensive coodinator Scott Linehan said Elliott would receive "significant touches" in the running back's return from a six-game suspension Sunday against the Seahawks, Jon Machota of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Analysis: Head coach Jason Garrett suggested earlier in the week that it wasn't a lock for Elliott to take on a full-time workload in his return from suspension, but the second-year player apparently allayed any concerns about his readiness to play or his conditioning during the Cowboys' three practices this week. Linehan's comments were more or less supported by Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, who suggested Elliott could earn 20-to-25 carries in his first game back. With that in mind, it's looking like…read more

Reinstated to roster

Elliott (suspension) was reinstated to the 53-man roster Friday, Field Yates of ESPN reports.

Analysis: Elliott returned to practice Wednesday and appeared to take part in every drill, likely setting him up for his usual three-down role Sunday against the Seahawks. Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett did suggest Elliott will need to prove he's ready for his full allotment of snaps, but there's no real reason to believe that Elliott failed to do so the past few days.

Returns to practice Wednesday

Elliott (suspension) returned to practice Wednesday, Todd Archer of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Elliott is expected to handle a typical workload this week, which came to pass Wednesday, when he took part in every drill in the portion of practice open to the media, according to Jon Machota of The Dallas Morning News. The running back's mere presence at practice indicates the Cowboys have made the necessary transaction, activating Elliott from the reserve/exempt list, but the team has yet to make an official move. Once Elliott is a part of the 53-man roster again, he seemingly will have to…read more

May not get full workload Sunday

Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett said Wednesday that he wanted to see how Elliott (suspension) performed in practice this week before committing to using the running back in a full-time role Sunday against the Seahawks, Todd Archer of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Elliott will return to practice Wednesday, marking his first session with the team since Nov. 3 after the Second U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals denied his appeal for a six-game suspension. While Elliott was away from the team to serve the ban, he reportedly kept himself in shape by doing rigorous training in Mexico, offering optimism that he won't miss a beat upon returning to practice for the first time in six weeks. If Garrett is satisfied with how Elliott looks Wednesday and in the Cowboys'…read more

Moves to exempt list

The Cowboys moved Elliott from the reserve/suspended list to the reserve/exempt list Monday, David Helman of the Cowboys' official site reports.

Analysis: Elliott was slated to return to team headquarters Monday, but the Cowboys will delay adding him to the 53-man roster, despite waiving fellow running back Trey Williams. During his six-game suspension, Elliott reshaped his body via "intense training" in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Once he returns to the active roster, Elliott and his slimmer build will focus on preparation for a Seattle defense that conceded 180 yards from scrimmage and four touchdowns to another…read more

Will report to team Monday

Elliott is scheduled to report to the Cowboys on Monday when his six-game suspension comes to a conclusion, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: Since withdrawing his appeal of the suspension in mid-November, Elliott has been doing "intense training" in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico over the past six weeks, according to Rapoport. Elliott is said to be in terrific shape, with a recent picture of the second-year running back seemingly revealing a slimmer physique than he sported earlier in the season. The fact that Elliott has been able to keep himself in shape bodes well for his chances of reclaiming lead-back duties right away in Week 16…read more

Withdrawing suspension appeal

Elliott is withdrawing the appeal of his six-game suspension, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: With the latest ruling all but assuring that Elliott misses six games, he's apparently opting to get some closure on the matter and set his sights on a return Week 16 against the Seahawks. He's leaving the country to train while he's prohibited from being around the team, perhaps hoping that some distance will help him get in the right frame of mind. Alfred Morris led the Dallas backfield with 11 carries for 53 yards in Sunday's 27-7 loss to the Falcons, with Rod Smith contributing three…read more

Elliott, whose six-game suspension is set to begin with Sunday's game against the Falcons, plans to leave the United States for the next few weeks to clear his head and train, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: Elliott's suspension was reinstated Thursday when his request for an injunction to overturn the ban was denied by the Second U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Though the running back will miss his first game of the season Sunday, he's holding out hope that his expedited appeal scheduled for Dec. 1 in New York will revoke the final two games of his suspension, which would allow him to return to action as early as Dec. 10 against the Giants. If the full six-game ban remains in place, however,…read more

Appeal set for Dec. 1

The Second U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New York set a hearing date of Dec. 1 for Elliott's expedited appeal, Kate Hairopoulos of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Analysis: After Thursday's setback, there was a sliver of hope Elliott would somehow find a legal loophole to continue playing, but this decision all but guarantees he'll miss the next four games. As a result, his return date will range from Week 14 (Dec. 10 at the Giants) to Week 16 (Dec. 24 against the Seahawks), thereby hindering both the Cowboys' playoff hopes and those of fantasy owners. In the meantime, Dallas will rely on Alfred Morris, Rod Smith and Darren McFadden to keep up a semblance of a…read more

Suspension reinstated

Elliott's six-game suspension was reinstated Thursday after his motion was denied by the Second U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New York, Drew Davison of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Analysis: Unlike past weeks, Elliott may not have enough time to string out the legal situation in time to play Sunday in Atlanta, which would result in him missing his first game of the season. If the suspension indeed holds entering the weekend, the Cowboys backfield will likely be led by Alfred Morris, with Rod Smith and Darren McFadden pitching in. Elliott would be eligible to return for the Cowboys' penultimate regular-season contest Dec. 24 against the Seahawks.

Will attend hearing Thursday

Elliott will miss Thursday's practice in order to attend a hearing in front of the Second U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New York, Kate Hairopoulos of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Analysis: A three-judge panel will hear arguments from the NFL and Elliott's representatives beginning at 2 p.m. EDT on Thursday. At the crux of the hearing is Elliott's request for an emergency injunction to delay his six-game suspension. If the court rules in favor of the league, Elliott's suspension will kick in this Sunday in Atlanta, forcing the Cowboys to turn to a backfield committee headed by Alfred Morris. Otherwise, Elliott will be eligible to play, as he has in each of the team's first eight…read more

Won't practice Thursday

Elliott is set to practice Wednesday, but will likely miss Thursday's session to head to New York and attend oral arguments in the hearing for his request of an injunction to overturn his six-game suspension, David Moore of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Analysis: That same day, the Second Circuit Court of Appeals is expected to render a verdict on the matter, which would either put Elliott's suspension in motion beginning with Sunday's game against the Falcons or leave him in the clear to play in the contest. Through all the legal back and forth that has taken place since Elliott was first handed the suspension in August, the 22-year-old has yet to miss any contests and has remained an elite fantasy option, ranking second in the league in rushing…read more

Injunction hearing set for Thursday

The Second Circuit Court of Appeals has scheduled the hearing for Elliott's request of an injunction to overturn his six-game suspension for Thursday at 2 p.m. EDT, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Analysis: Elliott received a temporary stay of his suspension last week that allowed him to play in Sunday's victory over the Chiefs, during which he compiled 93 yards and a touchdown on 27 carries. While the running back has yet to miss any of Dallas' eight games to date, that could change Thursday in the event the court rules to deny Elliott's appeal and reinstate the suspension, which federal judge Katherine Failla previously upheld in an Oct. 30 hearing. If the suspension is back in place, Elliott…read more

Elliott carried 27 times for 93 yards in Sunday's 28-17 win over the Chiefs.

Analysis: Fresh off the latest delay of his impending six-game suspension, Elliott wound up averaging an uninspiring 3.4 yards per carry while managing a long run of just 11 yards. Nevertheless, he still churned out production and scored his fifth touchdown over the last three games on a two-yard plunge in the third quarter. Elliott continues to enjoy a massive workload on a weekly basis, but it remains unclear if and when disciplinary action against him will go into effect. It came out this week that…read more

Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett said Friday that he doesn't believe it will be difficult for Elliott to get back to full speed in time for Sunday's game against the Chiefs, Todd Archer of ESPN.com reports. Elliott returned to practice Friday after the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit granted a temporary stay on his six-game suspension earlier in the day.

Analysis: After a judge denied Elliott a stay Monday to activate the suspension, the NFLPA filed an emergency motion to appeal the ruling and was able to delay the running back's ban for at least one more game. Since the Second Circuit is on track to hear Elliott's request for an injunction early next week, it's possible that his suspension could be reinstated prior to the Week 10 matchup with the Falcons, barring another successful appeal. While the ongoing legal matter continues to cast uncertainty on…read more

Gets stay, can play Sunday

The United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit granted Elliott a temporary stay of his suspension Friday, making him eligible to play in Sunday's game against the Chiefs, Dan Graziano of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: The Cowboys had been preparing for Elliott to miss Sunday's contest, as it seemed he was finally set to begin serving his six-game suspension, which the NFL first handed down in August. It turns out he'll be available for at least one more week, with Elliott aiming to build off a 150-yard, two-score performance in the Cowboys' 33-19 win over the Redskins in Week 8. Per Graziano, Elliott could begin serving the suspension as early as Week 10, with Second Circuit Court judges scheduled to convene…read more

Will play Sunday against Chiefs

Elliott will be able to play against the Chiefs on Sunday after the Court of Appeals 2nd Circuit granted him an administrative stay Friday morning, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Analysis: The back and forth continues, as it previously seemed that Elliott would finally begin his six-game suspension this Sunday against the Chiefs, but yet another procedural workaround will allow him to continue playing.

Requests another stay

The NFLPA requested a stay from the Second Circuit court Wednesday to allow Elliott (suspension) to play Sunday against the Chiefs, Kate Hairopoulos of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Analysis: The move is a last-ditch effort to give Elliott a chance to be on the field Week 9 while the appeal of his six-game suspension is heard by the Second Circuit. As everything lines up at the moment, though, the Cowboys are preparing for life without Elliott, as Alfred Morris received the first snaps with the first-team offense at Wednesday's practice, per Todd Archer of ESPN.com. Behind Morris, Darren McFadden and Rod Smith are also expected to have roles out of the Cowboys backfield.