Cowboys deactivate RB due to meeting issues

This time it's Ezekiel Elliott.

The veteran running back didn't make the trip to Atlanta with the team and was deactivated as a disciplinary measure after Elliott missed or arrived late to several meetings in recent weeks, a person with knowledge of the situation told USA TODAY Sports. The person did not want to be identified because the deactivation is described as a “coach’s decision.”

Apparently the final straw came on Friday when Elliott missed a team meeting.

“Zeke wasn’t able to make the trip,” Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said on the team’s radio station pregame show. “He was punished. I know Zeke is the first to recognize the discipline that comes with meetings.”

The loss of Elliott on Sunday – or possibly for a longer period of time – is hardly a significant setback like in his prime. The 29-year-old Elliott is averaging 3.1 yards per carry this season, the lowest of his career, despite coming primarily off the bench and playing a limited number of snaps. In Week 8, Elliott recorded 48 carries for 149 yards and two touchdowns.