After eight games of delaying his suspension, Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott did not join his team against the Falcons on Sunday. Elliott's serving the first of his six games suspended for violating the league's personal-conduct policy after a yearlong NFL investigation determined he used physical force against his then-girlfriend.
Pair Dak Prescott's first game without Elliott with the loss of All-Pro left tackle Tyron Smith (groin injury), and the Cowboys run game struggled in the first half.
First-team running back Alfred Morris carried six times for just 8 yards. Dez Bryant and Rod Smith each took the ball once for zero yards.
To compensate, quarterback Dak Prescott scrambled four times for 35 yards and a touchdown as his pass protection broke down, particularly where Chaz Green replaced Smith at left tackle. Green struggled in the first half vs. the Falcons against defensive end Adrian Clayborn. Clayborn ended the half with a strip sack as Atlanta downed Prescott four times in the half.