If you’ve spent any time scrolling through sports headlines lately, you’ve probably asked yourself: does Ezekiel Elliott still play for the Cowboys? It's a fair question. For nearly a decade, Zeke was the face of the Dallas backfield. The crop top, the "Feed Me" gesture, the hurdle—it all felt permanent.
But things in the NFL move fast. Really fast.
Honestly, the answer isn't a simple "yes" or "no" because of how many times he’s gone back and forth. But as of right now, in early 2026, the short answer is no. Ezekiel Elliott is no longer a member of the Dallas Cowboys. His second stint with the team ended quite abruptly at the tail end of the 2024 season, and since then, the Star has moved on to a younger, more explosive era of football.
The messy end of the second stint
Let's talk about that 2024 reunion. It felt like a movie script. The prodigal son returns to save a backfield that looked thin on paper. Fans were hyped. Jerry Jones was talking about Zeke like he was still the 2016 version that ran for 1,600 yards.
It didn't go that way.
By December 2024, the reality was pretty grim. Zeke wasn't the RB1 anymore; he had been overtaken by Rico Dowdle. The burst was gone. He was averaging a career-low 3.1 yards per carry. Then, on December 31, 2024—literally the last day of the year—the Cowboys released him. It wasn't just a performance thing, either. Zeke actually requested his release so he could try to join a playoff contender. Jerry Jones, ever the sentimentalist, honored it.
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He ended up signing with the Los Angeles Chargers' practice squad for their 2024-2025 playoff run. Seeing him in those powder blue colors after years of silver and blue? Kinda weird.
Does Ezekiel Elliott still play for the Cowboys right now?
If you're looking for him on the roster today, you won't find him. After that 2024 season, Zeke hit the open market. He’s 30 years old now. In "running back years," that’s basically ancient.
The Cowboys' front office decided to go in a different direction. They needed speed. They needed guys who could contribute on special teams. Zeke, for all his legendary status in Dallas, just didn't fit that mold anymore. He was a short-yardage specialist who was struggling to get those tough yards.
Where is he now?
Currently, Ezekiel Elliott is a free agent. He spent the 2025 offseason looking for a home, but the market was cold. Teams are wary of older backs with heavy mileage. Think about it: Zeke has over 2,000 career carries. That’s a lot of hits.
There were rumors about him heading to teams like the Steelers or even a return to the Patriots, but nothing stuck long-term. He remains one of those "break glass in case of emergency" veterans that teams call when their starter goes down with an ACL tear in Week 10.
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Why the reunion failed
Most people think it was just because he got slow. That's part of it. But it was also about the culture. In 2024, Zeke was actually suspended for a game against the Atlanta Falcons because of disciplinary reasons—specifically, he was late to meetings.
That was a huge red flag.
When you're the veteran leader, you can't be the guy missing meetings. It signaled that the "glory days" were officially over. The Cowboys were trying to build a disciplined, young roster, and the Zeke nostalgia was actually getting in the way of that.
Zeke’s legacy in Dallas
Even though does Ezekiel Elliott still play for the Cowboys is answered with a "no," his impact is permanent. He’s third on the franchise's all-time rushing list. He’s behind only Emmitt Smith and Tony Dorsett. That’s elite company.
- Rushing Yards: 8,488 (in a Cowboys uniform)
- Rushing TDs: 71
- Pro Bowls: 3
He gave his best years to that team. He played through a torn PCL in 2021 just to help them win. You have to respect that. But the NFL is a "what have you done for me lately" business. And lately, Zeke hasn't been the guy who can carry a team.
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What should Cowboys fans expect next?
The Cowboys have fully pivoted. They are looking for "lightning" rather than "hammer." The days of a bell-cow back carrying the ball 25 times a game are dead in Arlington.
If you're holding out hope for a third stint in Dallas? Don't. The bridge isn't burned, but the road is definitely closed. Jerry Jones will always love Zeke, but the coaching staff has made it clear they want to get faster.
Actionable steps for fans and collectors
If you’re a fan or someone following his career, here’s how to handle the "post-Zeke" era:
- Check the Transactions: If a major contender loses their power back, keep an eye on Zeke. He's still training and waiting for a phone call.
- Update Your Fantasy Strategy: Unless there’s a massive injury wave, Zeke isn't a viable fantasy option anymore. Don't let the name recognition fool you into a late-round pick.
- Appreciate the History: If you have a #21 (or #15) jersey, keep it. He’s a future Cowboys Ring of Honor member.
Basically, the era of Ezekiel Elliott in Dallas is finished. He’s a free agent looking for one last ride, while the Cowboys are focused on a younger, cheaper, and faster backfield. It's the natural cycle of the league, even if it feels a little sad to see it end.