NFC East Roundup

Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott returned from his six-game suspension in Week 16.

- Mike Addvensky

Dallas Cowboys

Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott returned from his six-game suspension in Week 16. However, ‘the Boys’ were still unable to get a victory at home against the Seattle Seahawks in a game that both teams needed to win in order to keep their playoff hopes alive. Elliott had 24 carries for 97 yards and also had four catches for 21 yards in his first game since Nov. 5. The Cowboys failed to score a touchdown against the Seahawks, and Seattle won the game 21-12. The loss officially eliminated ‘the Boys’ from playoff contention.

The Cowboys released linebacker Justin Durant on Dec. 26. An 11-year NFL veteran, he had not played in a game since Week 12 when ‘the Boys’ played the Los Angeles Chargers on Thanksgiving. Durant had nine tackles in seven games played this season. On Dec. 30, the Cowboys placed All-Pro left tackle Tyron Smith and cornerback Orlando Scandrick on injured reserve.

In a virtually meaningless Week 17 matchup, the Cowboys beat the Eagles 6-0. Elliott ran the ball 27 times for a total of 103 yards and also had three receptions for 38 yards. The win helped ‘the Boys’ finish the 2017 season with a winning record, as they ended up 9-7.