Ezekiel Elliott

So he does have eyes. The Cowboys wasted eight touches on Ezekiel Elliott and Dowdle only started getting major run in the fourth quarter. Dallas is on bye, but perhaps they'll come back in Week 8 with a more coherent plan for their running game and Dowdle can start delivering some RB2/RB3 lines.

Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott led Rico Dowdle in playing time (28 snaps to 29), pass routes (14-11), and carries (8-5) in Sunday's loss to the Lions. He turned that into just 17 rushing yards and 0 targets. Dowdle rushed for 25 yards (5.0 per carry) and caught five balls for 30 yards. He tied for third on the team in targets (6) and ranked second in receptions.

After discussing his lack of opportunities with the team earlier in the week, the Cowboys decided to feed Zeke eight rush attempts in Sunday's loss -- his most carries since Week 1. Reportedly "dumbfounded" by his lack of opportunities this season, the 2.1 YPC he averaged against the Lions may have offered him some clarity. Zeke is averaging just 3.0 YPC this season and has been held under that dismal total in each of his last two games. He and the Cowboys now head into their Week 7 bye.

Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott has 30 carries so far this season and his usage became a topic of conversation this week.

Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott has 30 carries so far this season and his usage became a topic of conversation this week.