What does Rico Dowdle's promotion mean for Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott?

Promoting Dowdle may show the Cowboys have lost their patience with Elliott. 

Elliott didn't play for disciplinary reasons in a Week 9 road game against the Atlanta Falcons. NFL Media's Jane Slater shared he was late for several team meetings and had missed three altogether.  

In a 34-6, Week 10, home loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, Elliott only rushed for 22 yards on six carries and lost a fumble in the red zone late in the second quarter.

Elliott — who made three Pro Bowls in his first seven seasons with the Cowboys — has voiced frustrations about his role in the offense. In October, the RB told Hill he was "dumbfounded" by his lack of touches, even as a red-zone back. 

His play, however, hasn't merited more carries. Through eight games, he has averaged a career-low 3.2 yards per carry. According to ESPN, he has eight carries for eight yards and two TDs in the red zone.

Dowdle, meanwhile, has flashed promise. Per Pro Football Reference, the former undrafted free agent ranks 10th in the NFL in rushing success rate (55.4% in eight games) and leads the team in rushing yards (374). 

Although he has decent numbers, don't expect the fifth-year back to single-handedly rejuvenate Dallas' 31st-ranked rushing attack (83.7 YPG). 

The Cowboys (3-6) should consider drafting an RB in April, perhaps Boise State's Ashton Jeanty or North Carolina's Omarion Hampton. They should also mull moving on from Elliott, who is on a one-year contract.

While he was once a star for the franchise, his best days are seemingly behind him.