The Dallas Cowboys were without running back Ezekiel Elliott in their 27-21 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Cowboys’ losses couldn’t blamed on Elliott’s absence, as Dallas had its best best day on the ground this season, gaining 137 rushing yards.
The Cowboys made Elliott a healthy scratch against the Falcons. As previously discussed on GH, Elliott did not travel with the team because he reportedly missed meetings and has been, in the words of the NFL Network’s Jane Slater, “habitually tardy” this season.
The Cowboys punished Elliott twice, once by benching, and twice by leaking to the press the actions that led to his benching.
The Cowboys have a 3-5 record entering their Week 10 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. Quarterback Dak Prescott will miss the game due to a hamstring injury. Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb will try to play through an AC joint issue. The Cowboys need their healthy skilled players to make a difference on Sunday in the NFC East matchup.
Per Jon Mochata of The Athletic, the Cowboys have decided that Sunday’s punishment was enough, and they plan to make Elliott available against the Eagles.
“Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy said Ezekiel Elliott will be available this week after he was disciplined by the team last week and didn’t make the trip to Atlanta,” Machota posted on X.
Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy said Ezekiel Elliott will be available this week after he was disciplined by the team last week and didn’t make the trip to Atlanta
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) November 4, 2024
Rico Dowdle has been the lead running back in Dallas
Elliott has 149 yards and two touchdowns on 48 carries this season. The All-Pro has been featured second in the backfield behind Rico Dowdle. Dowdle has 321 yards on 71 carries this season.
Dalvin Cook has been elevated from the practice squad in the Cowboys’ last two games. The four-time Pro Bowl running back ran for eight yards against the Falcons. He has 20 total yards on the season on his eight carries.
