In the magazine, coming soon, we talked a little about how Ezekiel Elliott is an unusually capable receiver for a rookie running back just entering the NFL. Quality receiver, and very good in pass protection and picking up blocking schemes. That could be particularly important in Dallas this year.
Darren McFadden injured his elbow in what sounds like a bizarre accident and will be out "a couple of months." McFadden isn't exactly known as a quick healer and Jason Garrett is saying only that he'll "possibly be able to play in the opener." So there's definitely some question as to whether he'll be available early on.
Alfred Morris can't catch, and Lance Dunbar shredded his knee last season and might open the season on the PUP list. Suddenly a team that was loaded at running back looks a little thin.
Cowboys running backs tend to catch a lot of passes. Last year McFadden (40), Dunbar (21) and Joseph Randle (10) combined for 71 catches and 629 yards. Nice production in any league, especially PPR. Not that Elliott will account for all of that, but he should be the main guy, at least until McFadden returns.
--Andy Richardson