The Dallas Cowboys and their fans will finally get a chance to see their first round draft pick in action. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, running back Ezekiel Elliott is in line to play Thursday against the Seattle Seahawks.
Dallas rookie RB Ezekiel Elliott went through practice today and appears set to make his preseason debut Thursday vs. Seattle.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 22, 2016
Elliott has sat out of Dallas’ first two preseason games with a hamstring injury that he suffered early in training camp (more on that here).
Elliott was a star at Ohio State, topping 1,800 yards in both 2014 and 2015. In 2014, he found the end zone 18 times and topped that with 23 touchdowns in 2015.
Despite the brilliant numbers as a Buckeye, Elliott’s selection at the fourth overall spot in April’s draft was not without controversy.
Because of the immense wear and tear on their bodies, running backs are generally not taken that high. Elliott was the first running back selected that high the Cleveland Browns selected Trent Richardson at No. 3 overall in 2012. And we all know how that turned out.
Given that Elliott is dealing with injuries before playing in a single NFL game, strong play in his preseason debut would be well received.
That would go a long way in easing the nerves of those within the Cowboys’ organization, as well as the team’s fans. A poor performance, especially if another injury surfaces, will go a long way in raising anxiety for America’s Team.