LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Chargers are planning to sign running back Ezekiel Elliott to their practice squad pending a physical, two people familiar with the situation told The Associated Press on Monday night.

The people spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the move had not been completed.

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Chargers Set for Playoff Run

The Chargers (11-6) are the No. 5 seed in the AFC and open the playoffs at Houston on Saturday in a wild-card round game.

Elliott was released by the Dallas Cowboys on Dec. 31 so that he could possibly sign with a playoff team seeking a veteran running back. The same thing happened last season when Dalvin Cook was cut by the New York Jets and played for Baltimore in a divisional-round win over Houston.

Elliott’s Recent Performance

This season in 15 games, Elliott had just 74 carries for 226 yards with a 3.1-yard-per-carry average, all career lows. However, he is an excellent pass blocker and goal-line rusher. The two-time NFL rushing champion has 9,130 yards and 74 rushing touchdowns in nine seasons.

Chargers’ Running Back Situation

J.K. Dobbins is the Chargers’ starting running back. Gus Edwards missed the last two games of the regular season with an ankle injury.