When Ezekiel Elliott steps onto the field at AT&T Stadium on Sunday afternoon for the Patriots-Cowboys game, it will be a different experience for the veteran running back, as he'll be matched up with a former teammate and competitive friend.
After a seven-season stint with the Cowboys, Elliott signed a one-year deal with the New England Patriots in August. Released by Dallas in March, he is now set to face his former team in what promises to be an exciting clash.
While Elliott downplayed the significance of the matchup, Cowboys star Micah Parsons believes the running back will bring his A-game to challenge the All-Pro edge rusher.
"I feel like Zeke's coming for me," Parsons revealed to Jon Machota of The Athletic. "He used to tell me, 'You're lucky I'm not out there. I'd really get you.' If there's ever a matchup, I'm gonna be looking forward to it, for sure. You know Zeke, everything is gonna be funny to him. We miss his presence, the joy he brings to the locker room. It’s gonna be fun going against him.”
So far this season, Elliott has rushed for 122 yards on 28 carries in three games. Throughout his tenure in Dallas, he accumulated an impressive 8,262 rushing yards on 1,881 carries, scoring 68 touchdowns in 103 games. Notably, 4,334 yards and 42 touchdowns were achieved in Dallas home games at AT&T Stadium, making his return there even more significant.
As the Cowboys (2–1) aim to bounce back from their 28–16 loss to the Cardinals, they will be determined to secure their third win of the season against the Patriots. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:25 p.m. ET on Sunday.
