Cowboys' Ezekiel Elliott Likely to Rest Through Bye Week With Bone Bruise

Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott is unlikely to play Sunday against the Bears as he recovers from a knee injury he suffered in last week’s win over the Lions.

By video and based on recent reports, Elliott is likely dealing with a bone bruise with a mild MCL sprain in his right knee, according to the Pro Football Docs.

He was injured on a hit late in the first half, but returned to play and had two rushing touchdowns in the second half.

Despite the fact he returned to play, the Pro Football Docs expect Elliott will rest through the bye next week and may even miss the team’s Week 10 game against the Packers.

The bone bruise is the more concerning injury in his right knee because it cannot be played through. Bone bruises are made worse by practicing and attempting to play on them, thus Dallas will likely be cautious with Elliott until he is pain free.

Lamar Jackson missed four weeks with a bone bruise in his ankle last season and was largely held out of practice to let it heal.

Elliott missed practice Wednesday and Thursday and is unlikely to practice Friday.

How much time Elliott misses will depend on his rate of healing and when he will be able to run multiple days in a row without swelling.

A PCL strain in the same knee limited Elliott last season. When PCL strains heal the ligaments are typically looser and this new injury essentially leaves Elliott with two instabilities in his knee at the moment. That may affect his recovery timeline, but this injury will not require surgery.

Tony Pollard will serve as the Cowboys main running back until Elliott is ready to return.

Elliott, an Ohio State alumnus, has 443 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns in 7 games this season. He also has 6 catches for 32 yards.

Pollard has racked up 375 yards on 67 rushes and 2 touchdowns, plus 11 catches for 105 yards.

Bears vs. Cowboys Week 8 Odds

The Cowboys (5-2) are favored by 9.5 points at home and the over/under is 42.5, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

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