Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy says Ezekiel Elliott is "completely healthy now"

Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy believes running back Ezekiel Elliott is in store for a big 2022 season. 

Elliott struggled throughout most of 2021, playing through a partially torn PCL. Heading into his seventh NFL season with plenty to prove, Elliott has received a vote of confidence from both his quarterback and head coach. 

In late May, quarterback Dak Prescott praised Elliott, saying he was expecting the three-time Pro Bowler's best this season while also adding he believes when healthy, no running back in the NFL is better. 

McCarthy backed up Prescott's statements when speaking to the media on Thursday, hyping up Elliott's "tremendous offseason." 

"I think the biggest thing with Zeke is he's completely healthy now and he's had a tremendous offseason," McCarthy said. "The weight that he has been pushing in the weight room, just the numbers that he's been cranking out have been very, very impressive. I can't tell you it's been the best of his career, but he's in top shape. At the end of the day, he's an extremely instinctive, tough, smart football player, great teammate."

Playing in all 17 games last season, Elliott averaged 4.2 yards per attempt, with 1,002 rushing yards and ten touchdowns. 

Elliott rushed for over 100 yards in two-straight games against the Carolina Panthers and New York Giants in Week 4 and Week 5 but failed to break the 100-yard rushing mark again the rest of the season. 

After Week 5, Elliott averaged 45.8 yards and 3.62 yards per attempt over the final 12 games of the regular season.