Cowboys criticized Ezekiel Elliott vs. Falcons for 'plain tardiness' and missing team meetings: report

The Dallas Cowboys had veteran Ezekiel Elliott walk back as a healthy scratch ahead of their game against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, and it was reportedly due to “disciplinary reasons,” according to multiple media outlets.

Now we know what Elliott has done to be disciplined by his coaching staff.

NFL Media reporter Jane Slater reported that Elliott has been “distracted” this season, and there have been several times when he has not shown up to team meetings.

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Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott celebrates his first down run against the Browns at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland. (Scott Galvin-Imagn images)

“Aside from the usual tardiness, he has missed three team meetings, with Friday’s meeting being the last straw,” Slater wrote on X. “Both parties decided it was best that he not make the trip to Atlanta.”

Elliott is back with the Cowboys this season after previously starring for “America’s Team” as the fourth overall pick 2016 NFL Draft.

COWBOYS’ EZEKIEL ELLIOTT FROM USA. FALCONS FOR DISCIPLINARY REASONS: REPORT

But it’s not his normal workload in Dallas, as he had just 149 rushing yards and two touchdowns in seven games, only two of which were starts.

Elliott has lost touch to Rico Dowdle, who is in the midst of a breakout year, entering the week with 246 yards on 59 carries over six games. He also scored a receiving touchdown in the first half against the Falcons on Sunday.

Ezekiel Elliott warms up before the game

Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott practices before a game against the Steelers at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. (Barry Reeger-Imagn images)

The Cowboys signed Dalvin Cook from their practice squad to back up Dowdle on Sunday, while Elliott was scratched.

However, the running back position is being heavily scrutinized by Cowboys fans, especially after owner Jerry Jones said Derrick Henry, who is in the running for Offensive Player of the Year with the Baltimore Ravens, was not a target of theirs in free agency.

A reunion with Elliott and Dowdle wasn’t what fans had in mind, but the offseason was quite uneventful for Jones and the front office.

Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott goes through a drill during practice at the Ford Center at the Star Training Facility in Frisco, Texas. (Chris Jones-USA Today Sports)

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And now that decision appears to be hurting the Cowboys, as they were forced to discipline their former star after too many fouls.

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Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.