Cowboys Prepare to Play Chiefs Without Ezekiel Elliott

Alfred Morris will be one of three running backs picking up the load for Ezekiel Elliott should his suspension hold. Tom Pennington/Getty Images

Jason Garrett’s message to the Dallas Cowboys on Wednesday, their first day without Ezekiel Elliott: Life goes on.

As Elliott seeks legal avenues to delay his six-game suspension, the Cowboys held their first full-padded practice without their leading rusher. During the portion of practice open to the media, Alfred Morris took the first handoff from Dak Prescott. Garrett said the Cowboys will use Morris, Darren McFadden and Rod Smith in Elliott’s absence.

“We have great confidence in those guys,” Garrett said. “They’ve had success in this league. Obviously Alfred is someone who’s been very productive as a runner in this league. Darren was very productive for us a couple years ago, and we feel really good about Rod Smith and how he’s developed and the role that he can play for us. All of those guys will play, and we’ll just keep going down the road.”

Per NFL rules, Elliott cannot be around the team during his suspension. However, he can have contact with the strength and conditioning coaches and athletic trainers. Garrett said the last time he spoke with Elliott was after Sunday’s win against the Washington Redskins. Elliott flew from Washington to New York for his hearing.

The Cowboys have prepared for the possibility of not having Elliott since the summer. Elliott, 22, received the six-game suspension on Aug. 11 for a violation of the league’s personal conduct policy related to domestic violence allegations by a former girlfriend. He was never charged with any crime by the Columbus, Ohio, authorities who investigated the allegations.

Click here to read more.

SOURCE: ESPN, Todd Archer