The Dallas Cowboys aren’t ready to part ways with Ezekiel Elliott just yet, but the relationship is heading in that direction following a difficult season compounded by a humiliating disciplinary measure for the struggling running back. The Cowboys (3-4) left Elliott behind in Dallas as they traveled to Georgia for a crucial game against the Atlanta Falcons, a decision publicly announced on Saturday, Nov. 2. Reports suggest that the move was made for disciplinary reasons, although the specific details of Elliott’s infraction have not been disclosed. According to a league source cited by The Athletic, “Elliott is sidelined for disciplinary reasons.”
A two-time NFL rushing champion (2016, 2018), Elliott returned to Dallas this season after a disappointing year with the New England Patriots, which marked the low point of his career. He recorded career lows in carries (184), rushing yards (643), rushing touchdowns (3), and yards per attempt (3.5). Unfortunately for Elliott, things have only worsened since he returned to the Cowboys. He has managed just 148 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns on 3.1 yards per carry this season. Rico Dowdle has clearly taken over as the Cowboys’ leading running back for 2024, although that doesn’t reflect well on Dowdle’s own performance. Dallas ranks last in the league for total rushing yards, rushing yards per game, and yards per attempt through Week 8.
The Athletic noted, “Elliott’s season suggests that the 29-year-old has very little left in the tank. His longest run has been 11 yards. He has lost the ability to break tackles as he once did, and his speed has significantly decreased.”
