Cowboys Just Did a Massive Favor for Ezekiel Elliott With Week 18 Decision

The Dallas Cowboys enter Week 18 guaranteed to finish the year with a losing record, representing a major step back for a franchise that's all about winning championship. Following this categorical failure, there's several changes bound to be around the corner, from personnel off the field to the players who suit up on Sundays.

Some players who were brought in for 2024 just haven't worked out, and time is running out for them in Dallas. However, the Cowboys have decided to send veteran packing before the offseason even begins.

NFL insider Josina Anderson reported on Tuesday that Dallas is releasing running back Ezekiel Elliott. Some might be surprised this is happening now in Week 18 when there's only one game left, but this move is more about doing Elliott a solid for the next couple of weeks.

By waiving the once-productive RB, Elliott can now be claimed by a team that's headed to the playoffs and in need of running back help. This allows the 29-year-old to possibly chase a ring with a potential Super Bowl contender that's willing to take a chance on Elliott given his impressive résumé.

Elliott's return to Big D went far from hoped, as he was quickly unseated as the featured back and struggled to get on the field, which even led to him expressing his frustrations with his role. In all, he'll finish his reunion season in Dallas with only 226 rushing yards and three touchdowns.

However, Elliott could still have some value to teams in need of a short-yardage weapon for the playoffs. The Cowboys releasing him to have an opportunity to play in the postseason will surely earn them some good will from agents across the league, who'll notice the team doing right by one of its most prominent veterans even though the year didn't go as planned.

In other Cowboys news: