So now we understand what that new taper haircut is about for Ezekiel Elliott.
When the running back posted a picture of himself on social media in the barber’s chair Monday, few knew what it really meant.
Later in the afternoon, it was revealed Elliott has a new place of employment. Reports say he’s signing a one-year deal with the Patriots to continue his career.
When you get a new job, the best thing to do is get a fresh cut. So gone is the mop style with the flowing hair and in is a calmer look. It’s fitting considering where Elliott played the last seven years.
The Patriots deal is viewed as a positive for Elliott because he gets to play after he fizzled his last year in Dallas.
If Elliott remains healthy and productive, the Patriots visit the Cowboys for a Week 4 showdown at AT&T Stadium. Elliott would have an opportunity to present himself to the front office that released him in a salary cap move.
Elliott’s signing is a direct result of moves the Patriots have made at a position that has some weaknesses.
Just before mandatory veteran minicamp, the Pats cut running back James Robinson. On the second day of training camp, Ty Montgomery injured his left leg.
Behind starter Rhamondre Stevenson sit second-year players Pierre Strong and Kevin Harris, along with third-year running back J.J. Taylor.
So signing Elliott makes sense.
You get a veteran’s presence in the locker room for a running back unit that needed it.
What type of player the Patriots are getting is unclear.
He rushed for a career-low 876 yards last season and 12 touchdowns, scoring some of those in short-yardage situations.
Elliott is no longer a back to lead a team for 18-20 carries a week.
Based on how last season ended — Elliott averaged three yards a carry in the last five games of the regular season — the Patriots signed a player past his prime.
Elliott’s health, knee and calf injuries the last three seasons sapped him of his abilities as an elite runner. The NFL game is brutal on running backs and Elliott’s thirst for a full load in the offense took a toll on his body.
Elliott is a fine short-yardage back and eight or so carries a game, along with his abilities to pass protect, make him an attractive player in New England.
The ending is never pretty for running backs, just ask Emmitt Smith and Tony Dorsett, 1-2 in franchise history in rushing yards.
Those men finished their careers elsewhere, like Elliott, who is third on the list in rushing yards.
The guessing games can end now as to where Elliott will continue playing.
He’s in the AFC East with one good chance to remind everyone how good of a back he once was.
Twitter: @calvinwatkins
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August 15, 2023 at 05:50AM
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What type of player could Patriots get in ex-Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott? - The Dallas Morning News
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