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.