Ezekiel Elliott: Everything you need to know

Elliott is signing a practice-squad contract with the Chargers, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. Elliott was waived by the Cowboys in late December after struggling in his return to the organization. The veteran running back averaged just 3.1 YPC on 74 rushes with three touchdowns while adding 69 yards on 12 catches over 15 games. Elliott began the campaign in a timeshare with Rico Dowdle, but the latter eventually established a stranglehold on the No. 1 running back role, relegating Elliott to 20 percent or fewer of the Cowboys' offensive snaps over his final six contests. While Elliott's contract with the Chargers is a practice-squad deal, Rapoport reports that Los Angeles is hoping that the 29-year-old can quickly get up to the speed. If that happens, Elliott could be a part of Los Angeles' playoff run, though that could also depend on when (and if) Gus Edwards is able to return from an ankle injury that sidelined him for the final two games of the regular season.

The Cowboys will waive Elliott on Tuesday, Josina Anderson of BovadaHub.com reports. According to Anderson, Elliott asked for his release ahead of the Cowboys' season finale Sunday versus the Commanders, and Dallas honored his request. His second stint in Dallas left much to be desired, as Elliott scored three touchdowns and averaged a career-low 3.1 yards on 74 carries to go with 12 receptions for 69 yards over his 15 appearances. He was also a healthy inactive for a Week 9 loss to the Falcons, after a slew of missed meetings prompted Dallas to hold him out for that contest. While Elliott will be eligible to catch on with a contending team ahead of the playoffs once he clears waivers, he could struggle to find an opportunity after averaging fewer than 4.0 yards per carry in three straight seasons and offering no value on special teams.

Elliott rushed once for a one-yard touchdown in Sunday's 26-24 win over the Buccaneers. Elliott made the most of his one carry, finding the end zone from one yard out for his third rushing touchdown of the season. The 29-year-old running back played just three offensive snaps in the contest, while teammate Rico Dowdle continued to lead the backfield with 46 snaps in the game. With such limited opportunities, Elliott remains off the fantasy radar heading into a Week 17 matchup against the Eagles.