The Dallas Cowboys have lacked an established running game for years now.

Ezekiel Elliott was efficient in goal-line situations in his final year with the organization, and Tony Pollard looked poised to take a bigger role.

Then, with Elliott out of the picture, Pollard failed to live up to the expectations, so they didn’t bother trying to retain him in the offseason.

The Cowboys had plenty of choices to choose from to be their next bell-cow running back, from Derrick Henry or Josh Jacobs to Dalvin Cook, Joe Mixon, Austin Ekeler, or D’Andre Swift.

Instead, they decided to bring Elliott back after a one-year stint with the New England Patriots.

With that in mind, HC Mike McCarthy shared his thoughts on his ‘new’ addition.

Addressing the media, the former Super Bowl-winning coach said that it was just like he had never left, stating that he keeps everybody on guard with his energy and old-school demeanor, and praising him for being a strong character and positive addition to the locker room (Via Jon Machota).

When asked about his plans for the team, McCarthy revealed that the Cowboys would feature a running back by committee.

“We’re a running back by committee (team), but I think he’ll definitely play at the level that he’s played at in my time here. I don’t see any drop-off in the way he moves. He’s in good shape,” McCarthy said.

Mike McCarthy on Ezekiel Elliott being back with the Cowboys: “He walked in and he has that unbelievable smile and it’s just like he never left. Huge personality in the locker room.

“He definitely puts you on guard because he’s old school. He’ll go up and smack a 60-year-old man… pic.twitter.com/V2OG2CjTzB

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) May 11, 2024

Even so, he claimed that Elliott hasn’t shown any drop-off from the last time he was there, and he believes he’s in great football shape.

Elliott deserved another chance to play for the Cowboys.

However, this team might not be suited to compete at the highest level with their current running back room, not even if he turns back the clock.

The post Mike McCarthy Announces Plans For Ezekiel Elliott This Season appeared first on The Cold Wire.