CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- In his first two NFL seasons, Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott rushed for 2,614 yards and 22 touchdowns. Think of what his numbers might have been had he not been suspended for six games last season for violating the league's personal conduct policy.

• This will be the first game between Panthers and Cowboys since 2015
• Ezekiel Elliott is the focal point of the Cowboys offense
• The game will take place on Sunday afternoon

Having served his penalty, Elliott is the focal point of a Cowboys offense that is without its Pro Bowl center on offensive line (Taylor Frederick), and is unproven at receiver after the team parted ways with veteran Dez Bryant.

"You know a running back like this is going to present a tremendous challenge," said Panthers defensive coordinator Eric Washington. "But I like who we have."

Washington is referring to Carolina's front four of Kawann Short, Dontari Poe, Julius Peppers and Mario Addison. Their job Sunday will be to put pressure on quarterback Dak Prescott while keeping Elliott from running rampant.

"He's very leaky. Like he'll (Elliott) hit a gap -- five yards, five yards, four yards, three yards -- so you can't underestimate him," said Addison. "He'll test the corners. For me, I'm a d-end, so I have to set the edge up high. I have to keep my eye on that guy."

This will be the first meeting between the two clubs since the Panthers beat the Cowboys on Thanksgiving Day of 2015. Game time at Bank of America Stadium is set for 4:25 Sunday afternoon.