If you haven't been glued to the NFL transaction wire lately, you're probably a bit confused about where No. 21 is currently suiting up. Honestly, most casual fans still picture him in a Dallas Cowboys jersey, grinding out short-yardage first downs at AT&T Stadium. But the "Zeke" era in Dallas didn't just end once; it ended twice.
So, who does Ezekiel Elliott play for now? As of early 2026, Elliott is officially a free agent, though he spent the tail end of the 2024-2025 season on the Los Angeles Chargers practice squad.
It was a weird, frantic move that happened right as the 2024 regular season was breathing its last. After a homecoming in Dallas that didn't exactly go as planned, Elliott requested his release. He wanted a shot at a Super Bowl ring. The Cowboys, sitting out of the playoff picture and looking toward a rebuild, obliged. Enter Jim Harbaugh and the Chargers.
The Chargers Experiment and the Practice Squad Reality
When the news broke in January 2025 that the Chargers were signing Elliott, social media went into a bit of a meltdown. People expected him to immediately take over the backfield alongside J.K. Dobbins.
It didn't happen like that.
Harbaugh is a guy who loves "blue-collar" players, and Zeke fits that mold perfectly. However, Elliott was signed to the practice squad specifically for the playoff run. He was insurance. The Chargers had injuries to Gus Edwards and needed a veteran who could pass-block and fall forward for two yards if things got desperate in a Wild Card game.
But here is the kicker: he never actually saw the field for a live snap during that postseason.
The Chargers kept him in reserve, and while he was technically "on the team," he wasn't the focal point of the offense. Once the Chargers' season ended, his practice squad contract expired. That leads us to the current situation in 2026. He is currently looking for his next—and potentially final—NFL home.
Why the Second Cowboys Run Failed
You've gotta feel for the guy. Coming back to Dallas in 2024 was supposed to be the "Last Dance" for Zeke and Dak Prescott. The fans wanted it. Jerry Jones certainly wanted it.
The reality on the turf was much harsher.
- Efficiency: He averaged a career-low 3.1 yards per carry.
- The Depth Chart: Rico Dowdle clearly had more "juice" and eventually took the starting role.
- Usage: By December 2024, Zeke was playing fewer than 20% of the offensive snaps.
Basically, he was a goal-line specialist who wasn't getting to the goal line often enough. The Cowboys' offense struggled as a whole, but Elliott’s lack of explosiveness became a talking point every single Sunday. It wasn't just the lack of long runs; it was the lack of that "second gear" we saw back in 2016 when he led the league in rushing.
Is Retirement on the Horizon for Zeke?
He’s 30 now. In "running back years," that’s basically 100.
Most experts, including guys like Ian Rapoport and Adam Schefter, have hinted that Elliott’s market is incredibly thin. He isn't a "featured back" anymore. If he signs somewhere in 2026, it will likely be a league-minimum deal for a team that needs a veteran presence in the locker room or a reliable protector on third downs.
He’s had an incredible career—over 9,000 rushing yards and 70+ touchdowns. But the NFL is a "what have you done for me lately" league. Lately, Zeke has been a depth piece.
There’s a real possibility that if a contender doesn't have an injury in training camp, we might have seen the last of Ezekiel Elliott on an active roster. He's made over $70 million in his career. He doesn't need the money, but he clearly still has the itch to play.
What to Watch for in the 2026 Offseason
If you’re a Zeke fan, keep an eye on teams with young quarterbacks. A guy like Elliott is invaluable for a rookie QB because he picks up blitzes better than almost any back in the league.
- Training Camp Injuries: This is his most likely path back to a roster.
- Short-Yardage Vacancies: Teams like Baltimore or even a return to a contender as a "vibe" guy.
- The "Vet Minimum" Market: He won't be commanding $15 million a year like he did back in 2019.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you're trying to keep track of his status as the 2026 season approaches, don't just check the Dallas Cowboys roster. He’s gone from there. Instead:
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- Follow the NFL Transaction Wire daily during July and August.
- Look for teams that miss out on top-tier running backs in the draft; they often turn to veterans like Zeke for cheap insurance.
- Check the Los Angeles Chargers official retired/free agent list, though it’s highly unlikely he returns to the West Coast given their current youth movement.
The "Feed Zeke" era might be nearing its end, but the man is a survivor. Whether he finds one last roster spot or calls it a career, he remains one of the most significant figures in modern pro football history.
Expert Insight: Remember that practice squad contracts like the one he signed with the Chargers are temporary. Unlike the $90 million extension he signed years ago, these deals don't offer long-term security. He is effectively an "unrestricted free agent" right now.