Ezekiel Elliott has joined the Los Angeles Chargers' practice squad, bringing his veteran experience to the team as they prepare for the playoffs. Released by the Dallas Cowboys on December 31, Elliott's signing coincides with the Chargers' strong season, finishing at 11-6 and entering the wild-card round against Houston.

Head Coach Jim Harbaugh reflected on Elliott's past performances, recalling a challenging game in 2015 where Elliott dominated with 214 rushing yards. The Chargers' dynamic lineup now also features Elliott's former Ohio State teammate, Joey Bosa, which adds to the familiarity on the field.

This season, Elliott has faced struggles, marking career lows in rushing attempts and yards. However, with J.K. Dobbins leading the Chargers' backfield, the team hopes Elliott can quickly adjust and contribute. Dobbins has shown impressive performance, rushing for over 900 yards this season.

The Los Angeles Chargers are set to sign running back Ezekiel Elliott to their practice squad, pending a physical, as confirmed by sources. This news comes after the Dallas Cowboys waived Elliott earlier this month, a decision made by owner Jerry Jones to honor Elliott's contributions and provide him with a chance to pursue playoff opportunities. Drafted by the Cowboys in 2016, Elliott is their third all-time leading rusher.

In the current season, Elliott has recorded 74 carries for 226 yards and three touchdowns over 14 games. He was made inactive for a game against the Atlanta Falcons due to missed meetings.

The Chargers are likely looking to bolster their backfield, especially given the injury woes of Gus Edwards, who has been sidelined since a Week 16 win against the Denver Broncos. Edwards suffered an ankle injury during that game and later aggravated it in practice. The decision to bring in Elliott indicates the Chargers' need for depth as they prepare for an upcoming wild-card matchup against the Houston Texans.

Despite this addition, it is expected that the signing will not significantly impact the role of lead running back J.K. Dobbins, who has achieved a career-high of 1,058 yards from scrimmage this season. Other running backs on the roster, Kimani Vidal and Hassan Haskins, might see their opportunities limited with Elliott's arrival.

The Los Angeles Chargers find themselves in a precarious situation at the running back position, especially with Gus Edwards sidelined due to injury and J.K. Dobbins just returning to the field. In light of these challenges, the Chargers are reportedly considering the possibility of acquiring Ezekiel Elliott, who was recently released by the Dallas Cowboys. This move comes after a notable statement from Cowboys' owner Jerry Jones, allowing Elliott to seek a new team as he clears the waiver wire.

Despite his past success, Elliott's performance has waned in recent years, and he has struggled to maintain a four yards per carry average since 2021. This season, he managed to accumulate just 226 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 74 attempts. However, the focus on Elliott goes beyond his rushing stats; the Chargers' coaching staff, particularly head coach Jim Harbaugh, has emphasized the importance of pass-blocking. This need for improvement was highlighted in discussions about rookie Kimani Vidal's playing time amid the team's injury woes.

While the Chargers may not immediately place a waiver claim on Elliott, they are expected to conduct thorough evaluations if he becomes a free agent. Given the injury history of both Edwards and Dobbins, exploring options like Elliott could be crucial for the Chargers as they aim to bolster their backfield and enhance their chances of competing in the playoffs.

In the latest fantasy football landscape, several players are emerging as key waiver wire pickups for Week 17, particularly focusing on the Carolina Panthers and Dallas Cowboys. Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young has shown significant improvement since returning to the starting lineup, averaging 1.3 passing touchdowns and 18.1 fantasy points per game since the team's Week 11 bye. His recent performance includes a solid outing against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he threw two touchdowns and accumulated 16.9 fantasy points. With a favorable matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, who have struggled defensively against quarterbacks, Young is a prime candidate for fantasy players looking to bolster their rosters.

Additionally, the running back situation for the Panthers is evolving, especially with Chuba Hubbard being ruled out due to injury. Raheem Blackshear is now a potential waiver wire addition as he steps into a more prominent role. Meanwhile, Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Brandin Cooks, despite having a lackluster season, remains a consideration for fantasy managers due to his historical performance and potential upside. Other notable names include Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson and Los Angeles Chargers' Kimani Vidal, both of whom have yet to make a significant impact this season but could be valuable additions in deeper leagues.

The fantasy football landscape is shifting as teams head into Week 17, prompting players to reassess their rosters for potential waiver wire pickups. The Carolina Panthers have been hit hard by injuries, particularly in their backfield. With Chuba Hubbard placed on injured reserve due to calf and knee issues, Mike Boone is expected to see an increase in playing time. Boone, who has struggled this season with minimal production, is now set to share backfield duties with Raheem Blackshear and Velus Jones Jr. However, fantasy managers are advised to proceed with caution, especially against a tough Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense that has limited running backs significantly in recent games.

Meanwhile, Brandin Cooks of the Dallas Cowboys has struggled to find his form this season, ranking as the WR101 with an average of just 5.9 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. Despite his past success, Cooks has become a less reliable option for fantasy owners. On the other hand, Arizona Cardinals rookie Trey Benson has been a high-rostered handcuff but has seen limited action due to James Conner's health. Kimani Vidal of the Los Angeles Chargers has also faced challenges, averaging only 3.5 half-point PPR points per game, while Kendre Miller of the New Orleans Saints has battled injuries, managing to play in just five games this season.