Patriots Change Tune on Ezekiel Elliott’s Team Debut
By Isaiah De Los Santos
The buzz around the Patriots right now centers on the arrival of veteran running back Ezekiel Elliott. New England seems confident the three-time Pro Bowler can inject some playmaking into this offense, and most fans agree.
With Zeke’s deal officially signed, the Pats faithful is ready to see him take the field. However, it turns out that may not be happening in the immediate future.
Zeke Elliott's signing with the #Patriots is now official and he's in Green Bay with the team, I'm told. We'll see about the joint practices, but he is present with his new teammates. https://t.co/za8jOOlVuw
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 16, 2023
Elliott’s schedule ahead of this week was revealed on Tuesday by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. He did sign his deal and he did board the plan to Green Bay for joint practices with his teammates, but it sounds like he may not actually suit up just yet. Rapoport said “we’ll see” regarding Elliott participating in the upcoming sessions against the Packers.
Obviously this news is disappointing. Part of the excitement around the Elliott addition was the fact he looked prime to hit the ground running with his new team right away.
This change in plans appears likely to disrupt that, but it’s ultimately understandable. After all, we don’t know if this is Elliott choosing to sit out or if the team doesn’t want to rush him out there. We’re also not totally sure what shape Zeke is in right now, so that could also be affecting his practice debut.
Even if Elliott doesn’t suit up in Green Bay for joint practices or the preseason matchup on Saturday, he’ll be on the field very soon for the Pats. With just one exhibition left before the regular season, Bill Belichick and co. would be wise to use this time to get an early look at Zeke. Preseason finales are sometimes starter-heavy in terms of playing time as well, so it makes a ton of sense for Elliott to target that as his game debut.
Regardless, fans shouldn’t have to wait too long for the stud RB’s first action in New England.
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