Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones Releases Statement Following Ezekiel Elliott Release

The NFL world was dealt with quite a shock when the Dallas Cowboys decided to release running back Ezekiel Elliott. The once-great back was brought back to the Cowboys to help bolster the rushing attack, but that did not happen.

Read more: Cowboys Surprisingly Release Ezekiel Elliott

Elliott was not involved much in the offensive plan, especially after Rico Dowdle emerged as a solid three-down back for the Cowboys. The former All-Pro back had reportedly asked for his release from the team, which was granted out of respect for the work he put in with Dallas through the years.

Now, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has released a statement addressing the release of Elliott.

According to the statement:

"Out of respect and appreciation for Zeke and wanting to provide him with an opportunity to pursue any potential playoff participation possible, we are releasing him from the Cowboys roster today. As I have said many times previously, Zeke's impact as one of the greatest to ever play with the Star on their helmet will never change and is etched in our record books and history forever. We thank him, love him, and wish him the absolute best."

ARLINGTON, TX - JANUARY 15: Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones talks with Ezekiel Elliott #21 of the Dallas Cowboys before the NFC Divisional Playoff Game against the Green Bay Packers at AT&T Stadium on January... Joe Robbins/Getty Images

To be honest, this is a classy move by the Cowboys. Instead of keeping Elliott on the roster knowing his season would end after Week 18, Dallas has chosen instead to release him so that he may potentially join a playoff-bound team.

Elliott might have seen his production drop quite a bit over the years, but he can still be a quality rotational back who also offers a strong veteran presence. The Cowboys decided to allow that to potentially happen.

Now, it will be interesting to see if any team will come calling for a playoff run. There are plenty of teams on both the NFC and AFC side that might want to try out Elliott. At this point, any former starter that becomes available is likely to be picked up by a team.

Former Miami Dolphins linebacker Shaq Barrett was released by the team and rejoined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, which is the team he left for the Dolphins in the offseason.

The same thing can happen for Elliott, who will now be placed on waivers. It will be up to his current physical state to pass waivers and sign with a team, but expect that to happen in the coming days.

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