Why the Cowboys Should (and Shouldn't) Reunite With Ezekiel Elliott

The preseason is officially here, and we somehow still don't have a definitive answer on Ezekiel Elliott's Cowboys future. Everyone thought Zeke's run in Dallas had officially come to an end after his release, but rumors (and even owner Jerry Jones) keep stoking the reunion fire.

So let's discuss it then. Here's the reasons why the Cowboys should, and shouldn't, re-sign the veteran running back.

Why the Cowboys Should Reunite With Ezekiel Elliott

1. Improve Running Back Depth

Let's start with the obvious here. On paper, Dallas' RB depth simply isn't as strong as it was entering the 2022 season. Last year, Zeke entered as the No. 1, while Pollard provided one of the league's strongest No. 2's. The latter was even so good that he even started to eclipse the former down the stretch, speaking to Pollard being an overqualified RB2.

No matter the pecking order, the Pollard-Elliott tandem worked. The Cowboys averaged the ninth-most rushing yards per game in 2022 thanks to the work of those two backs. While one's presence is a threat to the other's production in theory, the reality is they helped each other be the best version of themselves. They have complementary skill sets, and keeping them constantly rotated ensured fresh legs.

Now Pollard is set to be RB1, and his RB2 is a pure mystery. Malik Davis, Deuce Vaughn, Ronald Jones and Rico Dowdle are all in the hunt for the backup role. Jones provides starting and championship experience, but he's proven to be a bust of a signing.

Davis and Dowdle have the advantage of experience with the team, though it remains to be seen if they can really produce as an RB2. Meanwhile, Vaughn was a fifth-round draft pick based on his potential, but there's no telling how his game will translate to the pros.

Sure, Dallas could make one of thse players work, but that doesn't mean they're the absolute best backup they could have behind Pollard. Elliott would clear up any concerns behind Pollard and be an immediate upgrade to this RB room.