Cowboys' decision to sit Ezekiel Elliott gets even more interesting after more details come up

The Dallas Cowboys are finally doing it. After seven games, 48 rush attempts, and a 3.1 yard per carry average, they're sitting former No. 4 overall pick Ezekiel Elliott. Per multiple reports, Elliott will be inactive and won't travel with the team in Week 9, when the Cowboys will visit the Atlanta Falcons. The decision is unsurprising […]

Mauricio Rodriguez — Dallas Cowboys News Writer
Add as preferred source on Google
Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (15) celebrates his first down run against the Cleveland Browns during the fourth quarter at Huntington Bank Field.
Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

The Dallas Cowboys are finally doing it. After seven games, 48 rush attempts, and a 3.1 yard per carry average, they're sitting former No. 4 overall pick Ezekiel Elliott. 

Per multiple reports, Elliott will be inactive and won't travel with the team in Week 9, when the Cowboys will visit the Atlanta Falcons. 

The decision is unsurprising considering his lack of production and the Cowboys' recent elevations of veteran Dalvin Cook. Last weekend, Elliott played in Santa Clara as the lead back after Rico Dowdle became sick upon arriving to Levi's Stadium. 

However, there appears to be more to Zeke missing the game than just a lack of quality play. According to Todd Archer from ESPN, Elliott is being sat for "disciplinary reasons." 

As of now, what those reasons are specifically aren't yet known. Earlier this season, Zeke admitted he had talked to the coaching staff about his role. Days after his comments, he seemed to be prioritized int he running back rotation against the Detroit Lions. 

The Cowboys have been terrible running the ball in 2024, ranking 31st in rush success rate in early downs and 28th in EPA/play. Such woes are caused by a lot variables, ranging from poor blocking upfront, to a stagnant scheme that throws defenses very few changeups per game, and a lack of talent on the backfield. 

Perhaps changing things up could spark something as the Cowboys offense seeks to improve on the ground so it can translate into an easier day for the team's pass protection and by extension, offense in general. 

Related Articles