The running back was a passenger in the vehicle when it was involved in a “minor” car accident. He states he was coming back from a charity event when the accident occurred. He hit his head in the accident and is being evaluated by trainers and coaches. There’s no mention of who was the driver of the vehicle.
Ezekiel Elliott was seen going on stage with former quarterback Tony Romo at the Circle T Ranch on Sunday at a charity event.
Head injuries have plagued the NFL and led to billion dollar lawsuits in favor of players.
Elliott was said to have a stiff neck and body stiffness. Sources close to the matter state that the running back didn’t sustain serious injuries in the accident and that they’re taking precautionary measures. He has participated in dynamic warm-ups, but was kept out of practice to allow his injuries to heal.
Elliott was taken out of Thursday’s organized team activities.
Gary Brown and Scott Linehan, the team’s running back coach and offensive coordinator, stated that Elliott appears to be fine and that he ran along the sidelines and watched the drills. He led the NFL with 1,631 yards last year and is a major asset to the Dallas Cowboys.
“He’s fine,” states Gary Brown. “He’s good. Everything’s good.”
Elliott has a history of being involved in car accidents. He was involved in an accident last January before the team played the Green Bay Packers in a playoff game. The accident was minor and occurred when he was on his way to the team’s facilities.
The team will replace him in practice with Darren McFadden.
Dallas Cowboys demonstrated the team’s depth at the running back position with the absence of Elliott on the field. The fourth overall pick in the 2016 draft, Elliott was a leader in the league as a rookie running back, with the team planning to expand his role this season.
Head coach Jason Garrett announced on Monday that he will remain on the sidelines until May 30. He is expected to return to practice on Tuesday to resume training with the team. Garrett also said that the player’s off-the-field activities are not a concern for the team and that Elliott was returning home from charity.
Elliott remains in the spotlight following an investigation into accusations of domestic violence in July 2016. The investigation is said to be under review by the NFL. A woman accused the player twice of domestic violence, but insufficient evidence led to no charges or arrests being made.
The length of the investigation leaves the team waiting for a resolution. If he is found guilty of the accusations, he will face punishment under the NFL’s personal conduct policy.
Elliott is the first rookie to be first in the league in rushing yards since Edgerrin James in 1999.
