Cowboys lost Ezekiel Elliott vs. Falcons due to 'habitual tardiness' and missed team meetings: report

The Dallas Cowboys had veteran running back Ezekiel Elliott as a healthy substitute on Sunday before their game against the Atlanta Falcons, and it was said to be for “disciplinary reasons,” according to multiple media outlets.

Now we know what Elliott did to get disciplined by his coaching staff.

NFL Media reporter Jane Slater reported that Elliott has been “distracted” this season and there have been several instances where he has failed to show up for 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 being habitually late, he has missed three team meetings, with Friday's meeting being the last straw,” Slater wrote on X. “Both parties decided it would be best if he did not travel to Atlanta.”

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

COWBOYS' EZEKIEL ELLIOTT OUT VS. 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 dropped balls to Rico Dowdle, who is in the midst of a breakout year, entering the week with 246 yards on 59 carries in six games. He also scored a receiving touchdown in the first half against the Falcons on Sunday.

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 after Elliott was cut.

However, the running back position has come under a lot of scrutiny from Cowboys fans, especially after owner Jerry Jones said Derrick Henry, a contender for Offensive Player of the Year with the Baltimore Ravens, was in free agency no goal of theirs.

A reunion with Elliott to accompany Dowdle wasn't what fans had in mind, but the offseason was rather boring for Jones and the front office.

Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott runs 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 infractions.

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