Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott’s return to the franchise after spending a year with the New England Patriots has received mixed reviews.

But one Cowboys player is over the moon that Zeke is back in Dallas, and that’s Micah Parsons.

Having spent two years together before Elliott left for New England, Parsons has revealed his delight at having Zeke back in the fold in Oxnard.

“I think Zeke’s a game-time player,” Parsons said. “Zeke’s one of my favorite players of all time and I think what he shows out here [practice] and what he does on game day [is] like night and day. It’s never really the good looks, I don’t think people consider what Zeke really does, Zeke’s a trucker. He creates movement …

“You don’t really see how great Zeke is until (a game). I mean, he’s one of my favorite players of all time, so any time I get to have him back or have him in his team, I’m pretty happy about it.”

Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports, Kevin Jairaj, USA Today

While Parsons is happy Elliott is a Cowboy, others aren’t so thrilled with Zeke’s production declining every year since 2021.

So there is a point to prove for Zeke that he still has “it” and after Jerry Jones stated you can still see Elliott’s power in the run game, that kind of punch was missing from Dallas’ rushing attack last season.

Elliott’s true value will be in short-yardage situations and on the goal line because the days of Zeke ripping off a 60-yard run are over. Now, he’s more of a bruising runner who will get the offense those dirty two to three yards on the ground.

So, while there have been mixed reactions to Elliott’s return to Dallas, it’s clear that Micah is more than happy to have No. 15 on his side.

While we might not see Zeke’s full value in practice, Elliott appears to still have the juice if we believe Parsons and we await to see if he’s still got “it” in Week 1 against the Cleveland Browns.