It’s no secret that Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott has had a diminished role in the Dallas offense five games into the 2024 season. And certainly not for Elliott.

On Thursday, Elliott spoke to the media about his discussions with Cowboys coaches about his reduced snap count, and a report followed saying Elliott was “baffled by his lack of opportunities.” The report was subsequently picked up by several national media.

But in Jerry Jones’ Friday appearance on 105.3 The Fan (KRLD-FM), the Cowboys’ owner appeared to dispute the report, calling the use of the word baffled an “exaggeration.”

“That’s an exaggeration. ‘Stunned’ is an exaggeration,” Jones said when asked about the report. “It mischaracterizes itself; it’s a poor description of how he thinks about things. He is very aware of the part of the running game he is involved in.”

Elliott appeared in 23 offensive snaps in the Week 5 win over Pittsburgh, but was not on the field in a number of close-quarters situations, including one in the first half and at the goal line with the game on the line. Instead, Rico Dowdle, the starter, played. Dowdle finished with career highs in attempts (20) and yards (87).

Jones offered his own reason for Dowdle’s increased usage and Elliott’s lack of carries: He says Dallas is saving the 29-year-old veteran for later in the year.

“More importantly, and I can’t stress this enough, we’re saving him,” Jones told The Fan. “And we should be. Rico is an excellent running back, he has always had the challenge – especially because of his size – to block and protect the quarterback.

‘But what’s his big problem? He has suffered from injuries during his career. So it would be madness to rely on him for the entire season and the playoffs. Zeke is there, he will be there, because we want to protect him at this particular moment as much as anything.

Jones also noted that the Cowboys also have a practice squad coaching Dalvin Cook in the wings, but then waved away and gave a timeline for Cook’s activation, adding, “Don’t overdo that. That doesn’t mean this is big news.”

“The point is (the running backs) are out there for everyone to see,” Jones said. “It’s no secret. We’re going to use them.”

Twitter: @dmn_cowboys

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