Dallas Cowboys star running back Ezekiel Elliott has been left behind in Texas and did not travel with the team for a Sunday game against the Atlanta Falcons.
Elliott was initially scheduled to start the game against the Falcons, but did not make the trip due to “disciplinary reasons.”
According to multiple reports, the running back’s disciplinary issues have been “increasing for some time.” It’s not clear exactly what Elliott did to sit at home.
Per ESPN’s Todd Archerthis marks “the first time in his career that Elliott will be a healthy scratch on the lineup in a game where the Cowboys’ playoff position has not yet been determined.”
This is Elliott’s second tenure with the Cowboys, after spending last season with the New England Patriots.
Ezekiel Elliott of the Dallas Cowboys has been left home for ‘disciplinary reasons’
Last week, Elliott scored his 70th rushing touchdown for the Cowboys, tying him behind franchise legends Emmitt Smith and Tony Dorsett for the most in Dallas history.
It’s been a rough season for the Cowboys, who are 3-4 heading into the game against Atlanta.
In the backfield, the Cowboys operated on a running back-by-committee basis, with Rico Dowdle and Dalvin Cook also having options to take over carries.
Cook was removed from the practice squad to take Elliott’s place on the team in Atlanta.
So far this season, Elliott leads the Cowboys in rushing touchdowns with two and is second in rushing yards with 149.