Los Angeles Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Chargers HC Jim Harbaugh reacts to team signing RB Ezekiel Elliott

By Trevor Woods | Last updated Jan 7, 2025 6:38 PM ET

The Dallas Cowboys recently released running back Ezekiel Elliott, but Elliott has a new home for the time being. On Tuesday afternoon, the Los Angeles Chargers signed Elliott to their practice squad.

Shortly after Elliott's signing was official, Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh was asked about Elliott at his Tuesday news conference.

"Competitors welcome at the Los Angeles Chargers," Harbaugh said.

Harbaugh has familiarity with Elliott beyond seeing him on television the past decade as a member of the Cowboys. While Harbaugh was the head coach for the Michigan Wolverines in 2015 Elliott rushed for 214 yards and two touchdowns in a 42-13 Ohio State win over Michigan.

"Very familiar. Personally, yeah. Got some bruises from days competing against Zeke," Harbaugh said. "Great to see him. He's here. He'll start having at it today."

A video posted by ESPN's Kris Rihm would later show Elliott suited up and practicing with the Chargers on Tuesday.

First look at Chargers RB Ezekiel Elliott wearing No. 24 pic.twitter.com/pTKdcUrgCi
— Kris Rhim (@krisrhim1) January 7, 2025

It remains to be seen if Elliott will ever suit up for the Chargers or be part of the active roster. After all, it's now the postseason and the 11-6 Chargers next game is on Saturday in the AFC wild-card round against the 10-7 Houston Texans at NRG Stadium in Houston.

Whether Elliott gets acclimated to the Chargers scheme in that amount of time to actually receive snaps remains to be seen, but he being signed makes sense. Running back Gus Edwards is back at practice after missing the last two games, and the Chargers need depth if Edwards isn't ready to roll by Saturday.

Elliott, 29, has had an excellent NFL career, with 9,130 career rushing yards and 74 rushing scores, but his production has tailed off in recent years. In 15 games with the Cowboys this season, Elliott rushed for 226 yards on 74 carries with a career-low 3.1 yards per carry and three rushing scores.

Perhaps being part of a playoff push with the Chargers will spark some life into Elliott and revive a player many perceive to be on his last legs. Now he has a chance to prove the naysayers wrong.

Trevor Woods

Trevor Woods covers the Los Angeles Chargers and AFC West for Yardbarker. Trevor also covers the Michigan Wolverines for SB Nation, including coverage at the NFL Combine, Rose Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, Orange Bowl, and National Championship. You can find him on X at @WoodsFootball.

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