The Dallas Cowboys had to make room on their 53-man roster to add star Running Back Ezekiel Elliott, who finally reported to the team on Wednesday after they agreed on a new contract. Dallas chose to release RB Alfred Morris today, but this may not be the last time we see the veteran with the Cowboys.
Because Zeke didn’t ever report until this week, the Cowboys were granted a temporary roster exemption which allowed them to carry 54 players in practice. But that exemption ends now, as Dallas was required to get back down to the league’s 53-man limit before tomorrow’s season opener against the New York Giants.
To make room for Ezekiel Elliott on the 53-man roster, the Cowboys have released veteran running back Alfred Morris, according to a source. Had Morris been on the active roster by the end of today, his $930,000 base salary would have been guaranteed. It is possible the Cowboys…
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) September 7, 2019
Alfred Morris, who was with the Cowboys from 2016-2017, was re-signed at the start of training camp when Elliott’s holdout began. He was kept through final cuts over young prospects such as Jordan Chunn, Darius Jackson, and Mike Weber. Both Chunn and Weber were added to the practice squad.
When Zeke remained a holdout at the start of the week, Dallas called up Chunn to be their third RB. Once Elliott’s deal was done, it seemed likely that either Chunn or Morris would be released.
As I discussed in more detail earlier in the week, Jordan Chunn makes more as a #3 back over Alfred Morris. He can play on special teams and has room to grow at just 24 years old. The Cowboys are already going to be fighting to find enough touches for backup RB Tony Pollard; there simply weren’t going to be enough opportunities for Morris to be on the field.
However, assuming another team doesn’t sign him, Alfred should one of a few free agents that Dallas has on speed dial throughout the season. If they do suffer an injury to their top two, the Cowboys can trust Morris to come in and quickly contribute.
But for now, Dallas heads into battle this Sunday with Ezekiel Elliott, Tony Pollard, and Jordan Chunn at running back.
