INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 13: Ezekiel Elliott #21 of the Dallas Cowboys warms up before the game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on September 13, 2020 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)The hits keep coming for the Dallas Cowboys this season. Ahead of Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, it looks like the team may be without star running back Ezekiel Elliott.
The team got off to a slow start, before Dak Prescott went down with a season-ending ankle injury. The team made Andy Dalton one of the most highly-paid backup quarterbacks in the NFL, but he looked very ineffective when he stepped in, and then suffered a concussion two weeks ago. He remains out, now with COVID-19.
Ben DiNucci looked very bad in last week’s start against the Philadelphia Eagles. Garrett Gilbert, acquired earlier this fall, will start Sunday, while former Cowboys backup Cooper Rush has rejoined the team to be the new QB2. They’ll likely have Tony Pollard, and now Elliott, in the backfield.
According to Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News, the team is preparing for a Sunday without the former Ohio State superstar, who has been dealing with a hamstring injury. Sewo Olonilua, an undrafted fullback from TCU, has been elevated to the roster, while Rico Dowdle will be the backup if Elliott is out. All indications are that that will be the case.
Cowboys are preparing to be without RB Ezekiel Elliott (hamstring) on Sunday vs. Steelers. Team has elevated FB Sewo Olonilua from practice squad. More backfield depth behind Tony Pollard, Rico Dowdle if Elliott inactive. Mike McCarthy has said Elliott to have pregame workout.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) November 7, 2020
Even with Ezekiel Elliott, the Dallas Cowboys have an extremely uphill battle tomorrow. The Steelers are the last remaining undefeated team in the NFL, with one of the best defenses, and an efficient offense.
The Cowboys, meanwhile, remain in the playoff race as well, against all odds. The NFC East is historically bad this year, with the 3-4 Eagles leading by a game. Dallas is just 1.5 games back at 2-6.
Tomorrow’s game at AT&T Stadium kicks off at 4:25 p.m. ET.
