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Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott won’t travel with the team for a matchup with the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, according to Clarence Hill Jr. of DLLS.
ESPN’s Todd Archer reported that Elliott will be inactive against the Falcons due to “disciplinary reasons.”
With the veteran running back out, expect Rico Dowdle and Dalvin Cook to see increased roles. The Cowboys elevated Cook from their practice squad on Saturday, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Elliott’s absence due to disciplinary reasons reportedly isn’t a surprise inside the organization. CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones revealed that the issue was “building for some time within the team” and it was in “everyone’s best interest” that he didn’t travel with his teammates.
Following the offseason departure of Tony Pollard, the Cowboys brought back Elliott on a one-year contract with a maximum value of $3 million. He spent the first seven years of his career on the team, earning three Pro Bowl nods before joining the New England Patriots in 2023.
The 29-year-old hasn’t been an effective option on the ground in his return, recording 149 yards and two touchdowns in seven appearances. He’s also averaging just 3.1 yards per carry.
The Cowboys planned to enter the season with a committee approach at running back featuring Elliott splitting carries with Dowdle. The method isn’t working, as Dallas currently owns the worst rushing attack in the NFL.
Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy didn’t appear to be fond of the plan when speaking to reporters on Wednesday. McCarthy said that the “committee approach” was “definitely” not his preferred method, per Hill.
Without Elliott, the Cowboys will look to bounce back from a disappointing 3-4 start against a Falcons defense allowing 132.6 yards per game on the ground.
Kickoff on Sunday is at 1 p.m. ET.
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