Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott will not travel with the team for their upcoming game against the Atlanta Falcons, according to Clarence Hill Jr. of DLLS. ESPN’s Todd Archer confirmed that Elliott’s absence is due to “disciplinary reasons.” The decision comes after Elliott was informed that he would be inactive for the game. A mutual decision followed, in which it was agreed that he would not accompany the team to Atlanta.
Sources indicate that this marks the first time in Elliott’s career he has been a healthy scratch. The running back has been reportedly distracted this season, with recurring issues such as habitual tardiness and missing team meetings. The final straw came on Friday when Elliott missed another meeting, prompting both Elliott and the Cowboys to agree that it was best for him to stay home for the Falcons game.
With Elliott out, the Cowboys will rely more heavily on backup running backs Rico Dowdle and Dalvin Cook, who was elevated from the practice squad ahead of the game. Cook’s promotion is seen as a sign that the team is adjusting their backfield rotation following Elliott’s absence.
The disciplinary issues surrounding Elliott are reportedly not a surprise within the organization. CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones revealed that the problem had been building for some time and that it was in everyone’s best interest that Elliott was sidelined for the game. This decision comes after a season where Elliott has not been particularly effective, rushing for just 149 yards and two touchdowns in seven games, averaging a mere 3.1 yards per carry.
Elliott’s struggles on the field have mirrored the Cowboys’ overall struggles in the running game. Dallas has the worst rushing attack in the NFL this season, despite bringing Elliott back on a one-year, $3 million contract following Tony Pollard’s offseason departure. The Cowboys had hoped to feature a committee approach in their backfield, with Elliott and Dowdle splitting carries.
Head coach Mike McCarthy has expressed dissatisfaction with the committee approach, stating earlier this week that it was “definitely” not his preferred method. McCarthy’s comments reflect the ongoing frustrations with the Cowboys’ inability to establish a strong running game, which has impacted their overall offensive performance.
Without Elliott, the Cowboys will look to improve their 3-4 record against a Falcons defense that has struggled against the run, allowing an average of 132.6 rushing yards per game. The absence of Elliott could lead to more opportunities for Dowdle and Cook to step up and contribute to a much-needed improvement in the Cowboys’ ground game.
