Patriots-Packers Joint Practices: Zeke in Green Bay?

The New England Patriots have upgraded their offense by signing ex Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott. When will he make his Pats practice debut?

The New England Patriots made it official on Wednesday by formally announcing the signing of former Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott.

However, will Elliott be joining his new Patriots teammates on the practice fields for their first day of joint practices with the Green Bay Packers? 

With the 28-year-old properly added to the Foxboro fold, coach Bill Belichick was asked whether his new running back would take part in Wednesday’s practice. In true Belichickian fashion, the 71-year-old Pats coach responded: 

“We’ll see how it goes,” Belichick said with a slight smirk. 

Just moments later, the two-time All-Pro laid all questions to rest by arriving at the practice fields adjacent to Lambeau Field — wearing full pads, with helmet in hand.    

Ezekiel Elliott is here pic.twitter.com/CjClA0o6Dc

— Mark Daniels (@ByMarkDaniels) August 16, 2023

While the sight of Elliott wearing his no. 15 Patriots practice jersey on Nitschke Field is exciting for Patriots Nation, Belichick was careful to advise that the seven-year veteran still has much to learn as he becomes acclimated to New England’s system. 

“It’s good to have Zeke, and I look forward to working with him,” Belichick said. “I’ve never coached [Zeke] before, but I’m glad we have him … Spent time with him last night to teach him terminology, plays, projection … things like that. We’ll work with him on those things and more when he’s ready.” 

While the terms of his one-year contract have yet to be officially disclosed, reports have indicated that Elliott can earns as much as $6 million with incentives. The three-time Pro Bowler had visited the Pats on a free agent visit in July, but left New England without signing a contract. However, both sides continued to keep in touch, with talks between Elliott and the Pats having intensified over the weekend.

Elliott was selected fourth overall by the Dallas Cowboys in the 2016 NFL Draft. During his seven seasons in ‘Big D,’ he was one of the NFL’s premier running backs, leading the league in rushing yards in 2016 (1,631 yards) and 2018 (1,434 yards). Having played 103 games with the Cowboys, the Ohio State product amassed 8,262 yards on 1,881 carries with 68 touchdowns. He is also ultra-reliable with the ball in his hands, having lost only 11 fumbles.

In addition to his rushing and ball security, Elliott has proven himself to be a more-than-competent pass catcher and blocker on blitz pick-ups. Throughout his career he has 305 catches for 2,336 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Elliott and the Patriots are participating in joint practices with the Packers Wednesday-Thursday on the fields just outside the Don Hutson Center. Their preseason game against Green Bay will take place at Lambeau Field Saturday at 8 p.m. ET. 

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