The Reinstatement of Ezekiel Elliot's Suspension is Another Devastating Loss the Cowboys Don't Need

At 2-3, the Dallas Cowboys can't afford another difficulty, but the reinstatement of Ezekiel Elliott's suspension is just that.

ezekiel elliott confused face
USA Today Sports

Image via USA Today Sports/Matthew Emmons

ezekiel elliott confused face

On a night where the Philadelphia Eagles take center stage to prove to the world that they are the beasts of the NFC East, their division rivals, the Dallas Cowboys, were dealt another fatal blow in a disappointing 2017 campaign. A federal appeals court ruled in favor of the NFL, meaning the six-game suspension handed down by the league in August to Ezekiel Elliott over domestic violence allegations would be reinstated. Elliott's team could continue to fight this matter in the courts by filing another injunction, but eventually, he will probably cave on some sort of punishment. And it may be best to take the suspension now, considering the Cowboys look to be headed nowhere this year.  

At 2-3, the Cowboys are already two games behind the Eagles in their division. And while it's easy to pull out the "It's still early in the season" card, this team has presented too many problems to suggest that a turnaround could be on the horizon. In their three losses this season, Dallas has given up an average of 37.3 points per game. Whether you want to find fault in a secondary that let Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian light them up for 231 passing yards and four touchdowns or a linebacker corps that looks lost (especially when the injury-prone Sean Lee isn't on the field), the truth of the matter is that the blame can go all around. 

After averaging 108 rushing yards per game and 5.1 yards per carry last season, Elliott doesn't look like the same player. This year, he's averaging just 78.6 yards per game and 3.7 yards per carry. Maybe it could be a reflection of opposing defenses selling out on the run and forcing Dak Prescott to beat them in the air. Or maybe something like this looming six-game suspension is hanging over his head. 

Either way, Elliott and the Cowboys need a fresh start, and allowing their star running back to take his suspension would be in everyone's best interest. If Dallas turns it around, Zeke will return for the stretch run. If Dallas continues to slide, as the old adage goes, you'll get 'em next year.

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