Cowboys seem to be preparing for an Ezekiel Elliott suspension as the running back is still awaiting the NFL’s ruling.
It looks like the Dallas Cowboys are preparing for a short suspension for their star running back Ezekiel Elliott. Adam Schefter reported late Wednesday night that the Cowboys will be signing veteran running back Ronnie Hillman.
Dallas is signing veteran RB Ronnie Hillman, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 27, 2017
A sense: could be indication of concern over NFL decision on Ezekiel Elliott.
Most people remember Hillman for his stint with the Denver Broncos from 2012-15. In 2015, season saw Hillman run for 863 yards, score seven touchdowns and helped the Broncos win the Super Bowl. Hillman re-signed with Denver after that season for one year but was released shortly into 2016.
The bigger news than the Hillman signing is what this could mean for the Cowboys and Elliott. Entering his second season, Elliott was looking to grow on his impressive rookie year that saw him lead the league in rushing and finish third in touchdowns. Elliott was named first-team All-Pro and finished second in Rookie of the Year voting to teammate Dak Prescott.
Schefter reported in early July that the Cowboys were suspecting a short suspension for their star running back. This Hillman news only cements that idea, at least for the preseason. It could be that the Cowboys need bodies in the backfield going into the preseason.
Next: 30 richest players in the NFL
Dallas’ backfield was thinner than last year with the loss of Lance Dunbar and the ineffective play of Alfred Morris and Darren McFadden. Hillman is likely insurance for Morris and McFadden, both of whom looked mediocre in their carries last year, each averaging 3.5 yards per carry.
Dallas kicks off the season against the New York Giants before traveling to Denver and Arizona. It returns home for two games against the Rams and Packers before entering their bye week in Week 6. All five teams boast defenses that could impress. The Cowboys will need their full offense to come away from the first five weeks with a winning record. Having Elliott out for any length of time obviously lessens that hope.