About Ezekiel Elliott's status Cowboys' roster move sends clear message.
The Cowboys only made a little roster change on Saturday, according to the official records. But if you read between the lines, it provides a significant explanation for a
crucial issue before Sunday's NFC matchup against the 8-1 Vikings.Dakoda Shepley, an offensive lineman for Dallas, was promoted from the practice squad to the active roster for
the actual game. It's the third promotion for Shepley since joining the team right before the start of the regular season, as Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News notes.
He will require a position on the full-time roster if the Cowboys plan to play him after Week 11.However, the claim that Shepley was the sole practice squad elevation
may be more significant.Running back Qadree Ollison was not moved up by the Cowboys like they had done in their previous two games. And that looks to be a very clear indication
that lead back Ezekiel Elliott will suit up and play in Minnesota, unlike in Week 8 versus Chicago and Week 10 versus Green Bay.Elliott's hyperextended knee, which he sustained in
Week 7's victory against Detroit, has kept him out of the Cowboys' last two games.He has been using a knee brace during practice, and he intends to use it during the crucial game
at U.S. Bank Stadium, which quarterback Dak Prescott referred to as "a playoff game."The average number of rushing yards per game that the Vikings give up is 118.3, while Dallas
averages 134.6. In the two contests Elliott missed, Tony Pollard recorded career highs in carries (22) and rushing yards (131) and touchdowns (three) in Week 10.Elliott has only
gained 443 yards on the ground so far this year, but his return,according to the organization, will add more than just a second pair of legs to the offensive backfield.