SANTA CLARA – The last time Ezekiel Elliott played at Levi’s Stadium for the Cowboys, he was at center on the final play of the 2022 playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers. It didn’t go well.

On Sunday, serving as the starting running back with leading rusher Rico Dowdle ill, Elliott gave the Cowboys a 7-3 lead with 10:58 left in the second quarter with a 1-yard run that looked like a vintage Elliott touchdown.

Zeke wants to eat. He has made a reservation for 6️⃣

📺: #DALvsSF on NBC/Peacock
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/SvyDUyz3MT

—NFL (@NFL) October 28, 2024

The play capped an 11-play, 65-yard drive with Elliott picking up a first down on a season-long 11-yard run. It was his longest run since a 12-yard gain in Week 14 against the Pittsburgh Steelers last year while with the New England Patriots.

Elliott had 10 carries for 40 yards and a touchdown in the season-opening win against the Cleveland Browns, but he hasn’t had more than eight carries for 19 yards in a game since. At least before tonight. After his touchdown run, he has six carries for 29 yards.