Cowboys cut RB Ezekiel Elliott to give him chance at playoffs - ESPN

FRISCO, Texas — Ezekiel Elliott's return to the Dallas Cowboys is over with one game left to play.

The team waived its No. 3 all-time rushing leader Tuesday, marking the second time the Cowboys have released Elliott in three years. He was released after the 2022 season for salary cap reasons and spent 2023 with the New England Patriots.

The Cowboys made the move now to give Elliott, 29, a chance to join a playoff contender if he clears waivers.

«Out of respect and appreciation for Zeke and wanting to provide him with an opportunity to pursue any potential playoff participation possible, we are releasing him from the Cowboys roster today,» Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones said in a statement. «As I have said many times previously, Zeke's impact as one of the greatest to ever play with the Star on their helmet will never change and is etched in our record books and history forever. We thank him, love him and wish him the absolute best.»

Elliott's agent, Rocky Arceneaux, thanked Jones «for affording Zeke this unique opportunity in granting us our release.»

«Even though nothing is imminent Zeke is excited about the possibilities and is grateful. He's got a lot of good football left in him, and will remain a Dallas Cowboy for life,» he said in a statement released to multiple media outlets.

After the 2024 draft, Elliott signed a one-year deal worth up to $3 million if he had met incentives based on reaching 1,100 scrimmage yards, 10 touchdowns and 51% of playing time, plus the Cowboys making the playoffs.

Elliott has 74 carries for 226 yards and three touchdowns on the season. He has caught 12 passes for 69 yards.

Elliott did not top the 40 yards he had in the season opener against the Cleveland Browns. He has