Why Cowboys are benching Ezekiel Elliott in Week 9 vs. Falcons

The Dallas Cowboys have started the 2024 NFL season with a disappointing 3-4 record, and their rushing offense has been a big part of the problem.

The Cowboys are averaging a league-low 74.1 yards per game on the ground, and Dallas is looking for any possible way to spark its running back room. That includes benching one of the team’s best-known players, Ezekiel Elliott.

Here’s what to know about Elliott’s status for Dallas’ critical Week 9 game against the Atlanta Falcons.

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Is Ezekiel Elliott playing Week 9 vs. Falcons?

Elliott will not be dressing for Dallas’ Week 9 matchup with the Falcons, according to the Cowboys official website.

Elliott was active for each of Dallas’ first seven games of the 2024 NFL season but will sit with Rico Dowdle returning to action in Week 9. Dowdle missed the Cowboys’ Week 8 loss to the San Francisco 49ers with an illness, which allowed both Elliott and Dalvin Cook to play in the contest.

Dallas is looking for a spark for its last-ranked rushing offense and is evidently hoping Cook can provide it. The veteran was active for the first time in Week 8 against the 49ers but generated just 12 yards on six carries in the contest. Meanwhile, Elliott had 34 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries.

Dressing both Cook and Elliott with Dowdle back was unlikely to be an option for the game, as neither Cook nor Elliott plays special teams. As a result, Elliott will make way while Deuce Vaughn, the team’s No. 3 back who has played a position-high 13 special teams snaps this season, will be active in addition to Cook and Dowdle.

Elliott did not travel with the Cowboys to Atlanta.

Dallas Cowboys RB depth chart

The Cowboys will be three-deep at running back on Sunday, as has been customary for them this season. Below is the expected pecking order among the running backs.

Rico Dowdle
Dalvin Cook
Deuce Vaughn

The team will also dress fullback Hunter Luepke for the game. He could see snaps as a solo back against the Falcons, but he will more often be in there along with one of the running backs.