Dallas Cowboys list RB Ezekiel Elliott as backup

Ezekiel Elliott, the fourth pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, began practice with the Dallas Cowboys as the backup to starting running back Darren McFadden.

Since the Cowboys called Elliott's name with the fourth pick in the draft, he was presumed not only the starter at his position but perhaps the most important piece on a star-studded Dallas offense that includes quarterback Tony Romo and wide receiver Dez Bryant. Owner Jerry Jones said putting Elliott behind arguably the top offensive line in the NFL would give Dallas the same potential it had two seasons ago, when they went 12-4 and advanced to the second round of the playoffs only to lose at Green Bay on the now infamous Bryant "drop."

"Zeke has to earn it. I think that's the best thing for our team and for those guys going forward," said Cowboys running backs coach Gary Brown.

Earning it appears almost a given but rookie first-round running backs are not automatic hits.

Last season, Todd Gurley started on the bench and eased into action as a backup because of his health. By the end of the year, Gurley was a Pro Bowl selection for the Rams, who drafted him 10th out of Georgia in 2015.

But the second back off the board last season was Melvin Gordon, whose rookie season was a washout behind a constantly changing offensive line and ball-security issues.

The Cowboys brought back McFadden and signed former Redskins Pro Bowl runner Alfred Morris to a one-year deal in free agency.

Elliott smiled through questions about the stacking of the depth chart in Dallas.

"It's definitely better to have the competition," Elliott said. "It keeps you on your toes and make sure you get your work done. The competition makes you better."