THE Dallas Cowboys flew to Georgia for a Week 9 showdown with the Atlanta Falconsbut there was a notable absence. Veteran running back Ezekiel Elliott did not make the trip.

Dallas left Zeke behind and will give him a good scratch in Week 9 after he started last week’s game against the San Francisco 49ers.

Elliott, who has clearly lost a step, has been ineffective this season when he has seen the field.

MORE: Will Ezekiel Elliott request his release if he is inactive on Sunday?

However, his absence is not due to a lack of production.

According to the Cowboys reporter Clarence Hill of All Town DLLS“Elliott was left out for disciplinary reasons and it’s been building for a while.” Hill adds that he is “literally stunned.”

Last week, the Cowboys elevated Dalvin Cook from the practice squad. Zeke was thought to be a healthy scratch, but a mysterious illness of Rico Dowdle led to him being sidelined against San Francisco.

This week, however, it’s Zeke’s turn to sit on the sidelines.

It’s going to be interesting to see how he reacts to being a healthy scratch, so be sure to get your popcorn ready.

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