Will Ezekiel Elliott ask for his release if he's inactive on Sunday?

If the Cowboys make Ezekiel Elliott a healthy scratch on Sunday, could it lead to a request for his release?

Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott / Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

After six games, it's safe to say the return of Ezekiel Elliott hasn't gone as planned. The two-time NFL rushing champ re-signed with the Dallas Cowboys this offseason hoping he could recapture some of the magic he had with them early in his career.

He had a solid debut in Week 1, going for 40 yards and a touchdown on 10 attempts. Since then, however, he's failed to gain more than 19 yards in a single game. Now, there's a chance he won't be utilized at all in Week 8.

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Dallas is giving Dalvin Cook his first shot and there's plenty of reason to believe he will be an upgrade over Zeke. That's led to some speculation that the former Ohio State superstar could ask for his release, especially if he's a healthy scratch against the San Francisco 49ers.

I honestly can see Zeke asking to be released on Monday if he’s a healthy scratch tomorrow tbh

It would be the last straw for me🤷🏾‍♀️

Especially if I know other teams wanted me and then I chose to come back and the coaches refuse to use me.

— Stargazer Sports Media (@TheStarGaz3rr) October 26, 2024

To be clear, this is an analyst's take and not directly from Elliott. Even so, it's not an unimaginable scenario.

Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (15) and quarterback Dak Prescott (4) take the field to play the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. / Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Elliott already expressed frustration earlier this season with his lack of touches. That led to owner Jerry Jones boldly claiming they were "saving Eliott" for down the road. It also led to the 29-year-old getting the majority of the rushing attempts in Week 6.

He responded with 17 yards on eight carries. Dallas responded by elevating Cook. We'll have to see how it all unfolds, and asking for a release feels like an option.

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