As the Dallas Cowboys’ 2024 season spirals downward, running back Ezekiel Elliott’s status has become a minor subplot, an off-field storyline with little impact on the team’s actual performance.
Elliott missed Sunday’s Week 9 game against the Atlanta Falcons, which the Cowboys lost 27-21. His absence stemmed from what head coach Mike McCarthy called “clearly a team discipline situation,” and Elliott was held out of the game for this reason.
The situation placed Cowboys star quarterback Dak Prescott in a tough spot. Prescott, who strained his hamstring during the game and is expected to miss multiple games, is a leader who supports team discipline, yet he shares a close, long-standing friendship with Elliott.
“It’s definitely tough for me, personally,” Prescott told the Dallas Morning News. “As close as I am with him…wanted to help.
“Obviously, this is a mutual decision for him to stay back and get himself together. I’d like to see the team rally around him, be the teammates and brothers we are. Good will come from it.”
Elliott’s Absence Creates Opportunity for Rico Dowdle
It’s uncertain how much Elliott’s absence will benefit the team. He has logged only 149 yards on 48 carries in seven games this season, averaging a career-low 3.1 yards per attempt. Without him, the Cowboys actually posted their best rushing performance of the year, amassing 137 yards—just the third time they’ve topped 100 yards this season.
Running back Rico Dowdle took full advantage, rushing for 75 yards on 12 carries and adding 32 receiving yards on five catches, including a highlight-worthy touchdown reception.
Few Cowboys have improved their standing in this disappointing season, but Dowdle is among them.
Cowboys ‘Addressing’ the Issue
Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones commented on the situation during an appearance on 105.3 The Fan in Dallas on Monday.
“It’s a matter we’re addressing. It involved discipline, and that’s all we’ll say. Coach McCarthy and the organization felt it reached a level that warranted this action. Zeke’s a fierce competitor and one of the great players to come through here. Moving forward, we expect him to uphold that standard,” Jones said to the Dallas Morning News.
Jones added that Elliott’s tardiness issues came as a shock.
“You don’t expect this from players like Zeke or some of the greatest to wear the Cowboys uniform. But no one’s perfect, and everyone makes mistakes. I’m confident Zeke will make it right,” he added.
