Cowboys using RB Ezekiel Elliott more in passing game

Nov 28, 2016

No running back in the NFL has more carries or yards than rookie Ezekiel Elliott.

Now, the Dallas Cowboys are starting to incorporate him more into their passing game.

That has to be troubling for defensive coordinators, because Elliott is starting to make the same big plays in the passing game that he's been making all season in the Cowboys’ running game.

And that makes the offense even better, impressive considering the Cowboys average 407.6 yards (fourth in the league) and 28.7 points (third in the league) per game.

Fantasy Impact:

Elliott has caught 24 passes for 303 yards, a 12.6 average. Only four of the NFL's top 10 rushers have more than 300 yards receiving, and Arizona’s David Johnson is the only one of those runners averaging more than 10 yards a catch. The Cowboys don't need Elliott as much as the Cards seem to need Johnson in the passing game, but Elliott has at least one 15-yard reception in eight of the past nine games.

yesterday

Cowboys hope to get WR Brandin Cooks (knee) back for Week 12

Calvin Watkins on X

yesterday · 5:55 PM EST

Mike McCarthy said he's hoping Cowboys will get WR Brandin Cooks (knee) back this week.

Fantasy Impact:

Cooper Rush will get the start at QB again against the Commanders in Week 12. CeeDee Lamb led the way with 12 targets vs. the Texans, but it was Luke Schoonmaker, who took over after Jake Ferguson left with a concussion, who had 10 targets which was most behind Lamb. The addition of Cooks should help the Cowboys offense in what is a good matchup against the Commanders defense. For the fantasy world, Rush did end up throwing for 354 yards.

Cowboys will start Cooper Rush at QB in Week 12

Calvin Watkins on X

yesterday · 5:48 PM EST

Mike McCarthy said Cooper Rush "will be the starter" this week against Washington and a package of plays will be formed for Trey Lance.

Fantasy Impact:

McCarthy came out and said he regrets not giving Lance a chance to run the offense in the loss to the Texans on Monday Night, but even after that the team is going forward with Rush in Week 12 against the Commanders. One would have to assume Rush gets the start the following week as well, which is a short week and a game on Thanksgiving Day game against the Giants.

49ers TE George Kittle (hamstring) 'close' to playing in Week 11

The Athletic

yesterday · 3:18 PM EST

Shanahan said George Kittle was “close” to playing against Seattle and should be able to practice Wednesday.

Fantasy Impact:

It's at least a good sign Kittle is expected to practice Wednesday. The hope is he will be ready to go in Week 12. The 49ers play at the Packers, and it's in the later Sunday window so owners will certainly want to pay attention to what kind of work Kittle can get in this week at practice.