4 Down Territory: NFL Preseason Week 1 biggest notes and observations

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - AUGUST 13: Quarterback Trey Lance #5 of the San Francisco 49ers throws under pressure from defensive tackle Byron Young #93 of the Las Vegas Raiders in the second quarter of a preseason game at Allegiant Stadium on August 13, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the 49ers 34-7. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

4 of 5

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – DECEMBER 04: Dalvin Cook #4 of the Minnesota Vikings slips past C.J. Mosley #57 of the New York Jets while scoring a touchdown during the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 04, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) /

Last rides for Zeke and Cook

After a whole summer of pretending to care, the end of an era continued its vicious cycle as both Ezekiel Elliott and Dalvin Cook found new homes. Zeke signed in New England and is hoping a number change may bring back some of that Buckeye magic that made him a top 5 pick for Dallas. Dalvin Cook got his wish and us heading to New York to play for the Jets.

Both guys got decent deals, but let’s be real. Both of these guys are perfect representations of the new era of running backs. Zeke and Cook were stars, got paid, got a little older and beat up, and then were cast away by their franchises. This is how the NFL is now, and appears to be going forward.

Both guys are popular names, and so they get the headlines all summer about where they’re gonna be great next. If we’re being honest though, there’s a strong chance this will be the final year we see these two in the league. Zeke and Cook ended up in their spots as backups, no two ways about it. Zeke is going to be there to help keep Rhamondre Stevenson fresh in New England, while Dalvin Cook will allow young running back Breece Hall to not rush his return from a torn ACL.

There are some great highlights and memories from both Ezekiel Elliott and Dalvin Cook, but they’re not the same guys anymore. Let’s see if they got enough left in the tank to help their teams make a run.

Home/NFL