The biggest pregame storyline before the Dallas Cowboys and New England Patriots kicked off was the return of running back Ezekiel Elliott. However, once the two teams took the field, Elliott didn't get to play much in a contest where the Pats got down early and mostly abandoned their ineffective rushing attack.
Following the matchup, quarterback ex-teammate Dak Prescott was asked about Elliott's return, and he had plenty to say.
Dak Prescott on Zeke Elliott tribute: "I’m sure he liked the tribute. I loved the tribute, I thought it was pretty cool. We’ll connect, we’ll talk. As I told you our relationship is much bigger than this game of football especially this game of him coming back."
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) October 2, 2023
Prescott told reporters that he and Elliott hung out on Saturday prior to squaring off. They also chatted pregame, when Elliott made the rounds and talked to several of his former teammates. And they shared a postgame embrace that surely made some fans emotional.
Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott hugging it out at midfield following the Cowboys 38-3 win.pic.twitter.com/xUm58XbVSz
— Michael Bier (@MichaelJBier) October 1, 2023
Before the contest, the Cowboys premiered a tribute video thanking the RB for his years starring for the team. Prescott said he "loved" the way Dallas honored Elliott.
On the topic of Elliott's playing time, Prescott had a pretty strong stance. He believes New England should've used him more on Sunday.
Dak Prescott on Ezekiel Elliott: “I wouldn't have the success that we had over the seven years without that guy so, yeah, thankful for him. They need to play him more.” pic.twitter.com/GslF9Ypodp
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) October 2, 2023
Maybe he's just a former teammate looking out for one of his friends, or maybe he thinks Zeke could've provided a spark. Either way, it's great to see Prescott continuing to hype up Elliott despite playing in different uniforms now.
Elliott's return to Jerry World certainly didn't go as well as he'd hoped. Zeke finished with just 16 yards on six attempts as he was a complete afterthought for Bill Belichick.
At the very least, hopefully Elliott enjoyed seeing some old faces in Dallas. The appreciation he received from Prescott and the organization certainly shows there's no love lost between the two sides.