The 3-4 Dallas Cowboys are looking to end their two-game losing streak today when they take on the 5-3 Atlanta Falcons on the road. The worst rushing team in the NFL (with an average of 74.1 rushing yards per game), the Cowboys will look to right the ship without running back Ezekiel Elliott. The three-time Pro Bowler and former first-round pick, who returned to Dallas this offseason after a year with the New England Patriots, is a healthy scratch for the first time in his career.
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This is because the Cowboys have suspended Elliott for the game against the Falcons for conduct detrimental to the team. Apparently, this has been a long time coming after their once-promising reunion turned into an absolute disaster.
Dallas Cowboys Running Back Ezekiel Elliott Has Been Skipping Team Meetings
Elliott, of course, was re-signed by the Cowboys following Tony Pollard signing with the Tennessee Titans in free agency. Before the season started, head coach Mike McCarthy said Dallas would utilize a running back committee this year, with Elliott playing a big role in that.
That has not been the case, however. Rico Dowdle leads the team in carries (59) and rushing yards (246) while Elliott has 48 carries for just 149 yards. He also has two rushing touchdowns.
According to Jane Slater of the NFL Network, Elliott has not really given Dallas reason to increase his role based on his behavior off the field. “According to a number of sources, Elliott has been distracted this season. Aside from habitual tardiness, he’s missed three team meetings with Friday’s meeting the final straw. Both parties decided it was best he didn’t make the trip to Atlanta. Dalvin Cook and Rico Dowdle will be expected to carry the load this afternoon,” Slater posted on X.
Ezekiel Elliott is a healthy scratch today. The first of his career. According to a number of sources, Elliott has been distracted this season. Aside from habitual tardiness, he’s missed three team meetings with Friday’s meeting the final straw. Both parties decided it was best…
— Jane Slater (@SlaterNFL) November 3, 2024
During training camp, Elliott had told reporters, “Right now, the focus is now, having as much fun as I can. I don’t know how many more of these I’m going to have. And just take advantage of being here and living in the moment.”
It does not sound like he has adhered to those comments.
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