Mike McCarthy Breaks Silence on Cowboys Cutting Ezekiel Elliott

The Cowboys made the difficult decision to part with veteran RB Ezekiel Elliot this week and head coach Mike McCarthy has now spoken publicly for the first time about the move.

Elliot requested his release to pursue other opportunities ahead of the playoffs, as it'd become clear that the two-time All-Pro didn't factor into Dallas' plans moving forward. Still only 29 years old, Elliot hopes to get one more chance to show he still has juice left in the tank, and McCarthy was happy to grant him the request.

Once Rico Dowdle took over the backfield, it became clear to Elliot that he'd ultimately need to go elsewhere to get meaningful snaps again.

Mike McCarthy Shares Thoughts on Cowboys Cutting Ezekiel Elliot

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, McCarthy noted his respect for Elliot's accomplishments and contributions to the franchise, ultimately making him feel comfortable with cutting him.

"It was a conversation that he asked for the opportunity to move forward. I think that's clearly what's in front of him," McCarthy said. "We started this journey at the running back position looking to potentially be a running back-by-committee, and Rico (Dowdle) clearly took the lead position and he’s ended up having a pretty productive year."

To that point, Dowdle became a 1,000-yard back for the first time in his career, compiling 1,244 yards from scrimmage and four TDs in the process. Elliot, meanwhile, rushed for just 226 yards at 3.1 yards per carry. It quickly became obvious that Dowdle was the superior player and Elliot's snap count appropriately cratered.

Already a pending free agent, Elliot decided to see if he could get ahead on finding a new team. Thanks to his great contributions to the franchise, he was given the opportunity.

"Really I think Jerry (Jones) said it best," McCarthy continued. "Zeke’s success here and he felt like he earned this opportunity upon his request."

At this point, no team has signed Elliot and he'll likely have to wait until the offseason to land on his feet. Regardless though, it's clear that the organization has love for the player and wishes him the best.

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