Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is still adjusting to the fact that he will go into the remainder of the offseason and the 2023 campaign without his friend and running back Ezekiel Elliott lined up in the backfield with him.
Dallas released Elliott on Wednesday in what was described as a “mutual decision” between the three-time Pro Bowler and the franchise, allowing the Cowboys to increase their “flexibility and options” according to owner Jerry Jones.
When Prescott was asked about the departure of Elliott, the veteran QB appeared to still be trying to wrap his head around the situation.
“Being able to start this NFL career and share so many memories, and grow up as men with this organization, I really can’t imagine taking the field without him,” Prescott said, per Jon Machota of The Athletic. “It’s something that I don’t know if it has completely hit me yet. Obviously I’ve talked to him. I’m hurt. I’m sure he is. But it’s more important for me to just be able to support him. I know he’s got more opportunities coming his way. I love that guy. Proud of him. I’m the No. 1 supporter for him no matter what.”
Jones wrote in a team statement that releasing Elliott was “one of the toughest parts of operating a team.” However, before Elliott’s release, Dallas explored multiple ways to keep him in a Cowboys uniform, including a possible pay cut, per The Dallas Morning News.
The 27-year-old led the league in rushing in 2016 and ’18. However, since ’18, Elliott has posted only two 1,000-yard seasons. In ’22, he rushed for a career-low 876 yards on 231 carries.
