Former Dallas Cowboys star will sit out during NFL Wild Card Round

The Los Angeles Chargers added Ezekiel Elliott before their Wild Card showdown in Houston, but won't activate the former Dallas Cowboys running back.

Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott / Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Jerry Jones said earlier this year that the Dallas Cowboys were saving Ezekiel Elliott for a potential playoff run. Apparently, the Los Angeles Chargers are also saving him.

Zeke was released by Dallas prior to the season finale and the Chargers signed him to their practice squad. They play on Saturday against the Houston Texans but Elliott won't be elevated to the active roster.

MORE: Former Cowboys star arrested on multiple charges, posts wild mugshot

Initially, it seemed as though he had a shot at playing with both J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards battling injuries. They've been limited in practice but the Chargers decided to elevate running back Jaret Patterson instead of Elliott.

#Chargers will not activate Ezekiel Elliott from the practice squad for Saturday's playoff game at #Texans. S Eddie Jackson and RB Jaret Patterson have been elevated while CB Eli Apple and WR Simi Fehoko have been activated off IR.

— Joe Reedy (@joereedy) January 10, 2025

Elliott struggled in his return to Dallas, posting just 3.1 yards per attempt. That was a career low for Zeke, as was his 226 yards on the ground.

Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott / Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Jones was roasted for ignoring other options this offseason, including Derrick Henry, in favor of Elliott. He claimed Zeke still had the talent to be a starter in the NFL, which proved to be a detriment to the offense early in the season.

If Elliott is going to redeem himself in the playoffs, he will have to hope for a shot next week if the Chargers can advance.

— Enjoy free coverage of the Cowboys from Dallas Cowboys on SI —

Dallas Cowboys land elite safety, massive wideout in 7-round mock draft

4 Mike Zimmer replacements Dallas Cowboys should consider

Mike McCarthy should make the decision for the Cowboys & walk away

How does Cowboys salary cap compare to rest of NFL entering offseason?

Steve Sarkisian to Dallas Cowboys speculation makes its way to ESPN

Meet Reece Allman: Star of Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Netflix doc