Why is Ezekiel Elliott not playing today? 

Ezekiel Elliott is one of the biggest names for the Dallas Cowboys but isn't playing in Week 8 versus the Chicago Bears. The running back sprained his right knee.

For just the second time in his career, he'll miss a game due to injury. He played through the injury in Week 7 this season versus the Detroit Lions. The former Ohio State Buckeyes running back has gone through a slew of injuries in his time with the Cowboys.

The running back suffered a calf injury during the team's Week 13 matchup vs. the Baltimore Ravens in the 2020-21 season. That season, he missed his first game versus the San Francisco 49ers in Week 15. Last season, he suffered various injuries to his ribs and knee.

In spite of those injuries, he played in all 17 games in the 2021-22 season. He had 1,002 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns, as well as 287 receiving yards and two touchdowns. For the running back, he's played nearly 5,000 offensive snaps for the Cowboys in his NFL career.

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Ezekiel Elliott's impact with the Dallas Cowboys

In his first six seasons in the NFL, he's led the league in rushing, including in his rookie season with 1,631 yards. Elliott finished third in the NFL MVP voting while making his first Pro Bowl during that 2016-17 season. During the 2018-19 season, the running back once again led the league in rushing with 1,434 yards.

Overall, he's rushed for over 1,000 yards in four of his first six seasons. So far in the 2022-23 season, Elliott has rushed for 443 yards and seven touchdowns in seven games.

The Cowboys offense has changed a lot since the running back's unprecedented rookie campaign. The back isn't the team's sole rusher anymore. Under the play-calling of offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, Dallas created an efficient 1-2 punch in the backfield with Elliot and fourth-year Tony Pollard.

Since Ezekiel Elliott has been statistically declining over the course of his career, the addition of Tony Pollard has been instrumental. Elliot's power and Pollard's speed make for a formidable backfield combination. A combination that's bound to serve the Cowboys well as they continue to stake their claim for a playoff berth this season.