Ezekiel Elliott, Cowboys moving forward following ‘team discipline situation’

FRISCO — Ezekiel Elliott didn’t accompany the Cowboys to Atlanta for their game against the Falcons.
But the veteran running back joined his teammates at The Star on Monday and it appears the two sides are willing to move forward.
“Zeke will be available,’’ head coach Mike McCarthy said. “He went through everything today. But we did not have a sitdown today.’’
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Elliott has missed several meetings this season, a situation that came to a head Friday. Both sides determined it was best for him to stay at home over the weekend, hit the reset button then get back to work this week.
The Cowboys rushed for a season-high 137 yards on the ground in Elliott’s absence. Dallas broke off runs of 15, 18 and 22 yards and Rico Dowdle led the way with 12 carries for 75 yards. He caught five passes for another 32 yards and a touchdown.
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Dowdle has established himself as the team’s lead back. Elliott’s return indicates he understands he’ll be competing with veteran Dalvin Cook behind Dowdle for a role in this offense.
McCarthy was asked to elaborate on the decision involving Elliott.
“I’m not sure what you’re asking,’’ McCarthy said. “What do you mean, resolve it?
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“I think the biggest thing with Zeke is it was a team discipline situation. Had a chance to sit down and talk about it on Friday. Then Saturday, it was a mutual decision for him to stay back.
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“And I respect that.’’
Elliott has rushed for just 149 yards this season on a career-low average of 3.1 yards per carry. Despite the missed meetings, owner Jerry Jones went out of his way after the loss to the Falcons to call Elliott “one of the best team men’’ he’s ever been around.
“I’m not disappointed in him,’’ Jones said of the episode that led to Elliott being left behind. “I wish that was all the blemishes I had on my background.’’
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