Cowboys reveal Ezekiel Elliott's fate after surprise disciplinary benching

So much has happened with the Dallas Cowboys over the last handful of days that Ezekiel Elliott's benching in Week 9 feels like it happened a month ago. That is a sad summation of the state of the franchise.

Between Dak Prescott's hamstring injury, which will likely land him on injured reserve, a devilish coaching performance from Mike McCarthy and Dallas agreeing to the most befuddling and hare-brained trade of Tuesday's busy deadline, it's no surprise the Elliott drama has gotten pushed to the back burner.

If there was any silver lining to Sunday's loss in Atlanta, it's that the Cowboys (finally) came to the realization that Rico Dowdle is the best running back on the roster.

Dowdle had an efficient game in an otherwise dismal outing for Dallas' offense. The performance, coupled with Elliott's mysterious benching, left folks curious of Zeke's immediate future with the team. Would Dallas come to their senses and part ways with the disgruntled veteran?

It's a good thing Cowboys fans are used to disappointment because the team's decision with Elliott is another letdown.

Cowboys won't move on from Ezekiel Elliott after Week 9 benching

"Zeke will be available. He went through everything today," McCarthy said. "But we did not have a sit down today. ...  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. And I respect that."

This is extremely embarrassing, if not unsurprising.

Elliott reportedly has been late to team meetings throughout the season and missed as many as three, including the Friday meeting before Sunday's game in Atlanta. It is a blatant lack of professionalism, and it likely stems from his inconsistent role in the offense.

The Cowboys feel an undying loyalty to Elliott. That is nothing new. It's why they brought him back despite his decline in production and efficiency. He was also signed for his leadership and professionalism.

It's one thing that Zeke is underperforming on the field. His rushing success rate this season is 35.4%, which ranks 36th at the position. That he is also failing to check the leadership box and remains employed is staggering, even by Dallas' standards.

Elliott should have been disciplined for missing a single meeting. The missed Friday meeting was considered the "final straw," per NFL Network's Jane Slater. If the Cowboys were a serious organization, it should have been his final straw with the team - not the determining factor in him suiting up against the Falcons.

Andrew Booth and Jordan Phillips played themselves off the roster and they were deservedly released this week. Elliott is a franchise icon in every sense of the word, but he should not receive preferential treatment.

That is unfortunately what is going on at The Star.