The biggest problem with Ezekiel Elliott has been distractions.
On the field, the running back is a vital part of the team, but in 2017 the problems bloomed from one thing to another, and that has become his calling card.
The Distraction.
Amid his current holdout where The Fan's own Kevin Turner reported Elliott is heading to Cabo San Lucas, it has been a distraction on its own.
I understand his teammates saying they have his back and saying they fully support him, and staying out of each other's contract business. It makes sense for guys who see a broken economical system hoping that another player can squeeze more pennies out of the owners to raise the pay structure.
That being said, the team still has to answer those questions.
In 2017, when Elliott was fighting back against Roger Goodell, the team had to answer questions daily about his fight, the looming suspension and playing without their teammate.
They stood by his side, supported him and did the best they could while also suffering from the uncertainty of his weekly playing status.
Even he suffered from the weekly distraction of media wanting answers and whether or not he would play.
There is no doubt in my mind that while he's away from the team he'll do what he can to make certain he is physically ready to play, but being away from the new offense could make for some hiccups. Which could add more distractions.
However, I think there are a number of players on this team that believe they have a window to make something big happen, and they aren't going to let Elliott's problems seep into their goals.
Dak Prescott has too much potential money on the line. Demarcus Lawrence has too many goals to check off. Travis Frederick and Jason Witten both have a comeback to achieve. Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esche both have another level of stardom to grow into. And the head coach of the football team Jason Garrett is essentially coaching for his life this year, which could potentially be the best motivational coaching we've ever seen from him.
Too many individual players have something else they have to achieve as a team to let Zeke's problem be in their way.
So for that, maybe him being in Cabo is the best option.
Maybe him not being around the team allows them to focus more on what they can do. They can focus on how to be a good football team without relying on the talent of a running back with superstar skills. Then if they do add him back to the mix, it can be adding a big chip to an already large stack.
Just maybe they can figure out how they can do it without him, in case another "distraction" comes along.
