Ezekiel Elliott update: NFL insider reveals troubling reasons for healthy scratch vs. Falcons

Ezekiel Elliott is a “healthy” scratch from the Cowboys’ Week 9 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, according to NFL insider Jane Slater.

“According to a number of sources, Elliott has been distracted this season,” Slater’s tweet read. “Aside from habitual tardiness, he’s missed three team meetings with Friday’s meeting the final straw. Both parties decided it was best he didn’t make the trip to Atlanta. Dalvin Cook and Rico Dowdle will be expected to carry the load this afternoon.”

Elliott has been primarily used as the team’s second running back behind Dowdle this season. The former Ohio State star has appeared in seven of the eight games the Cowboys have played this season, totaling 48 rushing attempts for 149 yards, and is responsible for two touchdowns.

Meanwhile, Dalvin Cook made his Dallas debut last week against the San Francisco 49ers. He was used in limited capacity, totaling six carries for 12 yards during the contest. However, Cook has had four 1,000-yard rushing seasons during his career and the Cowboys have high hopes for his abilities moving forward if he’s able to stay healthy.

For Elliott, he’s in his second stint with the Dallas Cowboys. The three-time Pro Bowl running back has over 9,000 career rushing yards to his credit — nearly all of which have come in Dallas.

Elliott took a one-year hiatus from the Cowboys to play for the New England Patriots in 2023.

After totaling four 1,000-yard rushing seasons during his first six years in the league, his production began slowing down. He played in all 17 games last year and ended up having the worst season of his career statistically with 642 yards and three touchdowns.

Electing to return to the Cowboys in 2024, his future in Dallas remains uncertain as he’s on track to have less production than in his season with New England.

Scratching him from the lineup, along with the emergence of Dalvin Cook may be a peak into the future for Dallas. For now, the Cowboys are set to take on the Atlanta Falcons at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday.