Why did cowboys get rid of Zeke?

Why did Cowboys get rid of Zeke?

The Dallas Cowboys decided to deactivate Ezekiel "Zeke" Elliott primarily due to his underwhelming on-field performance and reported issues with his conduct as a teammate off the field. This decision led to his benching before the team's game against the Atlanta Falcons.

Reasons for Ezekiel Elliott's Deactivation

The Cowboys' decision to sideline Elliott stemmed from a combination of factors, signaling a shift in their strategy and expectations for key players.

On-Field Performance Decline

Elliott's effectiveness as a running back had significantly diminished, making him less impactful compared to other players on the roster.

• Low Production: He was mustering a lowly 3.1 yards per carry during that season, which is considered inefficient for a primary ball carrier.
• Effectiveness Compared to Teammates: His performance paled in effectiveness when compared to Rico Dowdle, indicating that other running backs were proving more productive in their roles.

To illustrate the comparative performance that influenced this decision, consider the typical metrics for running back efficiency:

Note: The exact yards per carry for Rico Dowdle are not provided in the reference, but it explicitly states Elliott's "paling in effectiveness to Rico Dowdle."

Off-Field Conduct Concerns

Beyond his statistical output, Elliott's behavior outside of games also became a point of contention for the team.

• Model Teammate Issues: He was apparently less than a model teammate off the field. This suggests potential issues with attitude, professionalism, or team dynamics that negatively impacted the locker room environment and overall team cohesion.

These combined factors ultimately led the Cowboys to make the strategic decision to deactivate him, aiming to address both on-field struggles and internal team harmony.