The Cowboys obviously aren’t going to get into many of the particulars as to why Ezekiel Elliott was punished, but the mere existence of such a situation is a microcosm of Dallas’ tumultuous campaign thus far.
Elliott was left back in Dallas over the weekend as the Cowboys traveled to take on the Falcons in Atlanta. The team billed it as a mutual decision, but it nevertheless was disciplinary, and ensuing reports suggested Elliott has struggled all season with focus and tardiness.
Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones addressed the benching Monday in his weekly appearance on the K&C Masterpiece.
“No, it’s certainly something that we’re addressing" Jones said. "He has been, it was related to discipline. That’s really all we have to say about it. It was obviously to a level that (Mike) McCarthy and the organization felt it should be addressed. Zeke is a great competitor and been one of the great players to come through this door. I know going forward he wants to continue that standard, and certainly we expect that standard.”
The reunion between the Cowboys and Elliott has not exactly gone to plan. He established himself as a great locker room presence during his first stint in Dallas, and was both a quality player and said to be well-liked last season with the Patriots.
Even if Elliott returned to the Cowboys and struggled to offer much on the field, at the absolute least it could be expected that he wouldn’t create distractions or issues. That hasn't been the case.
“Sure, you don’t ever expect this from players like Zeke or, like I said some of the best players to ever be in a Cowboy uniform," Jones said. "At the same time, no one is perfect, people make mistakes, and I’m sure Zeke will get it right going forward.”
The Cowboys leaned even more on Rico Dowdle in the 27-21 loss. He carried the ball 12 times for 75 yards, while also reeling in five passes for 32 yards with a touchdown. Dalvin Cook carried the ball twice for eight yards.