The Dallas Cowboys have made a significant decision by making Ezekiel Elliott a healthy scratch for Week 9, and new details are shedding light on what led to the benching of the veteran running back. Elliott did not accompany the Cowboys on their trip to Atlanta for their matchup against the Falcons.
This marked a notable moment in Elliott’s career, as it was the first time the 29-year-old had been made a healthy scratch outside of a season finale. According to ESPN’s Todd Archer, the decision to bench Elliott was disciplinary in nature.
Further information provided by Jane Slater of NFL Network revealed that Elliott has missed three team meetings so far this season, with the most recent absence occurring on Friday.
It was that final missed meeting that led the Cowboys to take disciplinary action against their star running back. According to Slater, the team feels that Elliott has been “distracted” this season, which may have contributed to his lack of focus and commitment.
The Cowboys, a team with high expectations and a strong focus on discipline, were reportedly left frustrated by Elliott’s repeated absences. Missing team meetings is a significant breach of protocol, especially for a veteran like Elliott, who is expected to set an example for younger players.
The decision to bench Elliott sends a strong message that no player is above the rules, regardless of their status or past contributions to the team.
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Elliott, who is in his second stint with the Cowboys, has struggled to find his rhythm this season. Through eight weeks, he has managed only 149 rushing yards on 48 carries, averaging a meager 3.1 yards per carry.
These numbers are far below what fans and the organization have come to expect from the two-time NFL rushing champion. His reduced production on the field, combined with the disciplinary issues off the field, has put Elliott’s future with the team into question.
There have also been rumblings earlier this year that Elliott was unhappy with his role in the Dallas offense. With the emergence of younger talent and a shift in the team’s offensive approach, Elliott has seen his opportunities diminish.
The frustration appears to be mutual, as the Cowboys seem to be losing patience with their once-prolific running back.
In the meantime, the Cowboys have activated Dalvin Cook for Week 9, marking his first active game this season. Cook is expected to split time with Rico Dowdle against the Falcons on Sunday. This move indicates that the Cowboys are looking to explore other options in the backfield, potentially signaling a shift away from their reliance on Elliott.
The situation with Ezekiel Elliott is complex, involving both on-field performance issues and off-field distractions. For a player who was once the focal point of the Cowboys’ offense, this season has been a challenging one.
Whether Elliott can regain the trust of the coaching staff and find his form remains to be seen, but for now, the Cowboys are making it clear that discipline and focus are paramount to their success.
Elliott’s future with the team remains uncertain, as both sides seem to be grappling with unmet expectations.
The next few weeks could be crucial in determining whether Elliott will continue to be part of the Cowboys’ plans or if his time in Dallas is nearing an end.
Regardless of the outcome, this incident serves as a stark reminder that even the most established players must adhere to team standards and that no one is immune to accountability.
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