Jerry Jones-Ezekiel Elliott Battle Takes Wild Turn Before Week 6

Cowboys fans received surprising news on Thursday that running back Ezekiel Elliott confronted the coaches about his role and lack of opportunities with the team. Zeke said he was "dumbfounded" by how little chance he has gotten so far, especially in the red zone.

This was already a big surprise, to begin with. Jerry Jones' response on Friday was even more baffling. The Cowboys owner went on 105.3 The Fan and provided the team's perspective. He said that Zeke being dumbfounded is "an exaggeration" and that the coaching staff is "saving him".

NFL News: Jerry Jones Provides Baffling Response to Ezekiel Elliott

Jones is clearly disregarding how Zeke is feeling about the situation. It is not a good look to say someone is "exaggerating" how they are feeling about a certain problem.

Secondly, even in the most generous of interpretations, this is an obvious case of poor management. If the Cowboys are indeed "saving him", that should have been communicated to Elliott. So far, Zeke has seen fewer snaps than both Rico Dowdle and Hunter Luepke in the backfield, averaging six carries per game. If the Cowboys were clear about his role before he was signed in free agency, Elliott presumably wouldn't be disappointed with his role on the team.

"We’re saving him. And we should be."

- Jerry Jones on Ezekiel Elliott

Elliott has been far from impressive in his limited role this season. He is averaging a career-low 3.3 yards per carry. Considering how ineffective he was with the Patriots last season, perhaps this is the new norm for Zeke.

If that is the case, then what are the Cowboys saving him for? Is he magically going back to his 2018 self? He is not going to turn back the clock if he plays fewer and fewer snaps each week.

The running back saga in Dallas continues to confuse Cowboys fans. This team has the second-least rushing yards in the NFL so far and what the plan is for the rest of the season is a huge question mark.

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