The Cowboys’ trip to Atlanta for Sunday’s NFL game against the Falcons did not include Ezekiel Elliott. The team advised the 29-year-old running back to remain in Dallas.
He is under disciplinary action for what appears to be a lack of concern.
After spending one season in New England with the Patriots, Elliott, who was selected with the fourth overall choice in 2016, is currently in his second stint with the Cowboys. After Tony Pollard left, Jerry Jones invited him back in the summer to help bolster his backfield. So far, the reunion has not been fruitful.
Elliott’s on-field performance in seven games has been limited to 149 yards and two scores on 48 carries. After losing to San Francisco last week, Dallas fell to 3-4.
But it seems that Elliott’s problems extend beyond the football field. He has missed three team meetings and is frequently late for required activities, according to several sources. The front office and head coach Mike McCarthy had to discipline him for his absence on Friday. He was not permitted to travel.
The NFL Network’s Jane Slater claims that Elliott has been “distracted this season.” That kind of wording gives the impression that he simply no longer wants to play football, whether that is true or not.
A somewhat different account of what transpired was provided by David Moore of the Dallas Morning News.
According to Elliott’s perspective, the Cowboys informed him that his actions would result in his listing as inactive. The decision did not sit well with Elliott. It was only at that point that all sides decided it would be better for him to stay home.
Ezekiel Elliott would be allowed to fly to Atlanta and remain on the sidelines by Dallas. After witnessing his response, the team decided against sending him on the trip.Going ahead, the scenario will change week by week. In the interim, Dalvin Cook and Rico Dowdle will replace their inactive backfield counterpart in most carries.
