Dallas Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott will not play against the Atlanta Falcons due to disciplinary reasons, marking the first time in his career that he is a healthy scratch when playoff positioning is not at stake.

Why it matters: Elliott's absence raises questions about his role and performance, as well as the team's struggling running game.

The numbers: The Cowboys' rushing offense has been underwhelming this season, averaging just 74.1 yards per game, the lowest in the NFL.

• Elliott himself has only accumulated 149 rushing yards on 48 carries and two touchdowns in seven games.
• The team has also gone 21 consecutive games without a 100-yard rusher, setting a new franchise record.

Yes, but: Despite these struggles, Elliott has been a significant contributor throughout his career.

• Last week, he scored his 70th rushing touchdown for the Cowboys, solidifying his place in team history.
• He has also shown resilience by returning from previous injuries and suspensions.

What to watch: With Elliott sidelined, the Cowboys will rely on backup running backs Tony Pollard and Corey Clement to carry the ground game against the Falcons.

What's next: It remains to be seen how long Elliott's disciplinary absence will last and how it will impact his future with the team.

The bottom line: Elliott's absence highlights the challenges the Cowboys face in reviving their struggling running game and raises questions about his status moving forward.