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Ezekiel Elliott's career, once marked by dominance, is heading toward an unfortunate milestone: becoming the first running back in NFL history to experience a consecutive decline in yards per game for nine straight seasons.
As the Dallas Cowboys near Week 11, the 29-year-old is facing career lows across the board, and the record he's approaching is not one any player would want.
Ezekiel Elliott's historic production decline
After a promising start in 2016, when Elliott led the NFL with 108.7 rushing yards per game, his production has steadily decreased over the years.
In his second stint with Dallas, Elliott has been unable to replicate past success.
Through eight games this season, he's averaging just 21.4 yards per game, a sharp drop from his previous lows, and his 3.2 yards per carry is the worst of his career.
Despite this clear decline, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones continues to praise Elliott, even suggesting that the team was "saving" him for a potential playoff push.
However, many around the league, and especially Cowboys fans, are questioning the validity of this optimism.
Elliott's struggles go beyond the stat sheet; his off-field issues, including a one-game suspension for missing meetings, have raised concerns about his focus and commitment.
Cowboys name Dowdle as starter
The Cowboys' rushing offense, already ranked near the bottom of the league, may have found its solution in Rico Dowdle.
Dowdle has emerged as the more consistent and effective option in the backfield, leaving Elliott in the dust.
While Jones continues to hold onto hope for Elliott's revival, it might be time for the team to consider a change at running back.
With his struggles on the field and lackluster focus off it, Elliott's continued presence on the roster is becoming increasingly hard to justify.
As the Cowboys look toward their playoff aspirations, moving on from a declining Elliott might be in their best interest.
The unwanted record he's on pace to break may be a fitting end to a once-promising career.