Do You Realize Who The Dallas Cowboys Starting RB is For 2024?

If you're a hardcore Dallas Cowboys fan, you probably know the answer to the question about which running back is on top of the depth chart to start the season. Actually, if you're a Cowboys fan who hasn't paid attention to the team in 5 years, you would probably be able to guess as well. But for a lot of casual fans, this might be a shock.

The player on top of the running back depth chart in Dallas to start the 2024 season is Ezekiel Elliott...

Yes, THAT Ezekiel Elliott who left the Cowboys in 2022 has returned to the franchise after a slow year running for the New England Patriots. Now the former first round NFL Draft pick comes back to the franchise that selected him 4th overall in 2016.

Elliott started his career in Dallas with a splash in 2016. He rushed for over 1,000 yards in four of his seven years with the Cowboys. He was a three-time Pro Bowl player, and made the All-Pro squads twice. He scored 80 total touchdowns over his Cowboy career as well.

But in March of 2023, the Dallas Cowboys decided to cut Elliott. Releasing him on March 15th, 2023.

By August of '23, the New England Patriots has signed Elliott to a one-year contract.

While in New England, Elliott served as a complimentary back to Rhamondre Stevenson. Elliott would come in during goal-line situations and on third downs. He did end up getting 5 starts during the season, but came off the bench in most games. During the season, he ran for 642 yards, and caught 51 passes for 313 more yards, giving him just under 1,000 scrimmage yards on the year. He scored 5 touchdowns during the season, with 3 on the ground, and 2 in the air.

Now, Elliott returns to Dallas in a role that appears to be a "starter", but will more than likely be part of a "running back by committee" approach. But his time at the top of the depth chart might be short-lived.

The Cowboys made a late offseason addition by brining another former Pro Bowl running back into the mix. The team signed Dalvin Cook late last month, and while he's still technically on the practice squad, he could be added to the main roster before the start of the year.

But neither of the former Pro Bowl running backs may end up with the most rushing yards for the Cowboys at the end of the year. Some experts are picking rarely used 5th year player Rico Dowdle as their favorite to lead the team in rushing this season.