Cowboys 54-Man Roster Moves: Ezekiel Elliott left behind in Dallas for Week 9 Falcons match :: Cowboys Wire
Elliott won’t make the trip to Atlanta for “disciplinary reasons,” per a Saturday development. Running back Dalvin Cook gets his second straight gameday elevation instead. Cornerback Josh Butler also gets the Sunday call-up to aid a secondary reeling with injuries. Caelen Carson is back, but DaRon Bland remains sidelined, and Trevon Diggs is questionable after not practicing all week.
Report: Ezekiel Elliott’s reaction to being inactive led Cowboys to leave him in Dallas :: Cowboys Wire
Elliott was apparently informed of the team’s decision to make him inactive for Week 9. It was only afterward, reports David Moore of the Dallas Morning News, that “a mutual decision was then made” that the running back would not travel with the team to Atlanta. Whatever Elliott’s reaction was to the news, it got him grounded in Dallas and will no doubt be a talking point moving forward next week.
Will the Cowboys keep Ezekiel Elliott? :: ProFootballTalk
Mike Florio believes the end may be coming imminently for Elliott and the Cowboys. He’s already very unlikely to hit financial incentives for scrimmage yards, number of touchdowns, snap percentage, and a playoff berth, and Sunday’s removal from the active roster will cost him over $22,000 in lost wages. Technically, he could be traded before Tuesday… or even released, at this point.
Without formula for success, Cowboys’ run game is on pace for historically poor output :: Dallas Morning News
At their current pace, the Cowboys could finish with the second- or third-fewest rushing yards in franchise history. The club’s inaugural 1960 squad currently holds the record for fewest rushes, yards, and yards per carry. Considering that team went winless on the season, it’s a damning indictment on just how atrocious the 2024 ground game has been.
Dak Prescott honest about concerning lack of QB runs: ‘It’s bad’ :: The Mothership
The Cowboys have been provably better when Prescott uses his legs as well as his arm. But it’s just not happening this season. He maintains that there is no problem with his surgically-repaired ankle and that he’s fully capable of still tucking and running. “When you’re weighing that risk — it’s when I’ve got the ball in my hands, it’s not just about that play,” he explained. “It’s about the team, the game, the momentum of it.”
This major flaw in Cowboys passing game giving Prescott predictable results :: Cowboys Wire
Dak Prescott is on pace for a career-high in interceptions. That’s directly related to the tight windows he’s throwing into. And that’s a result of everyone around him: receivers struggling to separate, coaches and their poor play design, the O-line’s porous blocking, a terrible run game not keeping defenses honest, a defense that’s allowing games to get out of hand.
Dexter Lawrence headlines top five DTs! Plus, Dak Prescott’s struggles and Diontae Johnson’s trade :: NFL.com
Bucky Brooks says Prescott does deserve flak for some errant tosses and poor decisions, but the fact that he has no serious supporting cast beyond CeeDee Lamb cannot be ignored. Despite deficiencies up and down the offensive roster, most of the blame should land right in the lap of Jerry Jones, for failing to build a roster that properly supports the highly accomplished (and highly paid) passer in his prime. Dallas won division titles in 2016, 2018, and 2021 with top-10 rushing attacks; why abandon that approach now and expect success?
NFL TV coverage maps, announcers for Week 9: Can you watch Cowboys-Falcons? :: Cowboys Wire
The Cowboys aren’t in a national TV window and won’t get Fox’s A-team; Adam Amin and Greg Olsen will be on the call from Atlanta. Most of the country will get to watch the game, though, except for the Northeast, portions of Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, and most of Nevada.
Getting to face Kirk Cousins among things Cowboys should love about Week 9 :: Cowboys Wire
Cousins has a propensity for turning the ball over, and it only seems to happen at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. That’s worth keeping an eye on this Sunday. And the Falcons have the worst pass rush in the league, so Prescott may be able to stay upright and have time in the pocket. That’s also good news. And Atlanta isn’t great at home- just like the Cowboys- so the visitors may have the upper hand here.
Fighting Kyle Pitts, Bijan Robinson two of many key matchups for Cowboys vs Falcons :: Cowboys Wire
Robinson is having a strong season, but he doesn’t face many eight-man fronts. If Mike Zimmer’s crew can load the box, they may be able to contain the run game led by a young player not used to those mismatched numbers. But Atlanta’s dangerous tight end poses a problem if the Cowboys leave him alone to work the middle of the field they they did for George Kittle.
Dallas Cowboys 2025 7-round NFL mock draft: Defensive line upgrades are priority :: The 33rd Team
With the projected 13th overall pick in the 2025 draft, the Cowboys select Texas A&M edge rusher Nic Scourton. Ollie Gordon II, the talented running back out of Oklahoma State, joins in the second round. Dallas goes linemen- defensive and then offensive- with their third- and fourth-round picks, Walter Nolen of Ole Miss and Jack Nelson of Wisconsin. Of the four talented playmakers who become fifth-round selections, the most notable might be Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel. The team goes defense with its final two picks in this mock exercise.
Dallas Cowboys announce their nomination for NFL Salute to Service award :: WFAA
Longtime guard Zack Martin has been named the team’s nominee for the NFL Salute to Service Award. Each year, the award recognizes NFL players, coaches, staff. and alumni who make exceptional efforts to honor and support military and veteran communities. Martin has worked closely with the National Medal of Honor Museum and has included the rest of the Cowboys offensive line in many of his outreach efforts. This year’s winner will be recognized at NFL Honors during Super Bowl Week.
