FRISCO — Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy said Wednesday running back Ezekiel Elliott asked for his release from the team and that he deserved to play for a playoff team. Elliott was released from the team on Tuesday during a disappointing season where he lost the starting running back job to Rico Dowdle.

Cowboys release Ezekiel Elliott before the final week of the season while Dallas has gone silent on the future of head coach Mike McCarthy.

The Cowboys made the difficult decision to part with veteran RB Ezekiel Elliot this week and head coach Mike McCarthy has now spoken publicly for the first time about the move. Elliot requested his release to pursue other opportunities ahead of the playoffs,