There's no denying that Ezekiel Elliott isn't the same player that he was from 2016-2021 with the Dallas Cowboys. The former Pro Bowler hasn't been as impactful over the last few years, due to multiple factors.

The 9-year veteran saw career-low numbers in every major category and was finally released Dec. 31 so that he might sign with a contender.

The Chargers made a series of moves on Friday. They activated cornerback Eli Apple and wide receiver Simi Fehoko from injured reserve, placed defensive back Ja’Sir Taylor on IR and elevated safety Eddie Jackson and running back Jaret Patterson from the practice squad.

The Los Angeles Chargers decided to take a chance on Ezekiel Elliott, signing the former first-rounder to their practice squad. The Chargers already have a pretty crowded running back room composed of: J.

The vision was that things might change in a better offensive system with an apparent need at running back. Unfortunately for Zeke, who turns 30 in July, that dream has now died before it ever even got started.

Elliott is joining the Chargers’ practice squad just a few days before they face the Texans in an AFC wild-card playoff matchup.

Just five days before the Dallas Cowboys played their season finale, three-time Pro Bowl running back Ezekiel Elliott asked to be released with the hope of latching on with a playoff-bound team to chase a Super Bowl ring.

The Ohio State product was drafted No. 4 overall by Dallas in the 2016 NFL Draft. From 2016 to 2022, his first stint with the Cowboys, Elliott made three Pro Bowls while running for 8,262 yards, the second-most in the NFL over that period, with 80 total touchdowns, which were third-most.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the team is signing former Dallas Cowboys and New England Patriots running back Ezekiel Elliott to their practice squad. He adds that the Chargers, "hope that [he] gets up to speed quickly."