Dallas Cowboys: Dak Prescott can’t do everything with Ezekiel Elliott out

The Dallas Cowboys can’t expect Dak Prescott to make up for the loss of Ezekiel Elliott all by himself while the running back serves his suspension.

In what has been one of the most incomprehensible sagas imaginable, it appears we may have some clarity regarding Ezekiel Elliott, at least for now. Elliott had his appeal denied in court, and is going to be serving his suspension. There are further complications that could change things down the line, but for now Elliot will not be suiting up for the Dallas Cowboys.

The timing is less than ideal. The Cowboys have absolutely no room for error with how good the Philadelphia Eagles are playing, and they are entering a crucial and difficult part of the schedule. They start with the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, and it cannot be understated how important Elliott would have been against that offense.

Enough has been said about the Cowboys offensive line to have confidence that they will still be able to run the ball. Alfred Morris has proven to be capable, Rod Smith is being talked about as the most underrated player on the team, and Darren McFadden already ran for over 1000 yards behind a similar line.

That being said, Elliott is a different breed of running back, and you cannot compare any of these backups to him. Elliott is one of the premier play makers in the league, and he impacts every facet of this offense. He is one of the best blocking running backs in the NFL, has the kind of physical tools that should be impossible behind this juggernaut of an offensive line, and he has been a lot more active in the passing game.

There is no doubting that the Cowboys will suffer without Elliott, and it is impossible to expect the running game to be as effective. The Cowboys know they are going to have to find new ways to win football games, and they have no buffer period without falling too far behind the Eagles.