In his first season back with the Cowboys after a one-year stint with the New England Patriots, Elliott has been "distracted," NFL Network's Jane Slater reported Sunday. He's often tardy to practices and meetings, and he's missed three team meetings. His absence at Friday's meeting was apparently the "final straw."

Running back Ezekiel Elliott has performed well in his three prior career appearances against the Atlanta Falcons. But he won't get another crack at them in Week 9. NFL Network's Jane Slater reported Sunday morning that Elliott will be a healthy scratch for the first time in his career when the Dallas Cowboys visit the Falcons.