The Dallas Cowboys had an underwhelming 2024 NFL season under Mike McCarthy. Dallas finished third in the NFC East with a 7-10 record, failing to qualify for the playoffs.
Since the Cowboys won't be part of the postseason, here's a look at some of their players who failed to make an impression this season.
3 Cowboys players who struggled to live up to the hype in 2024
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#1. Ezekiel Elliott
Elliott was arguably the biggest disappointment for the Cowboys in the 2024 season. The running back ended the season with 226 yards and three touchdowns on 74 carries across 15 games. He didn't offer much in the Dallas offense and struggled for service as a wideout as well.
The Cowboys re-signed Elliott last offseason with the hope that he would play a critical role in their offensive backfield. However, he started in just two games and was suspended for one matchup.
Last month, the Cowboys and Elliott mutually agreed to part ways after the player asked to be released. On Monday, Elliott was signed to the Los Angeles Chargers' practice squad for their playoff run.
#2. Dak Prescott
Big things were expected of Prescott in 2024. The quarterback signed a blockbuster four-year, $240 million extension with the Cowboys just before the season began. After a strong start, Prescott failed to maintain his consistency and faded away.
In Week 9 against the Atlanta Falcons, Prescott tore his hamstring and was ruled out for the rest of the season. In his cut-short season, the Dallas quarterback recorded 1,978 passing yards with 11 touchdowns and eight interceptions.
Although many fans claimed that Prescott's injury led to the Cowboys folding their season, it simply wasn't true. Dallas had a 3-5 record with Prescott as the starter even before he got injured.
#3. Markquese Bell
Bell was one of the many underperforming defensive players for the Cowboys in 2024. Fans had high expectations from the safety, but he was virtually non-existent in the Dallas backline during the early part of the season.
To make matters worse, Bell suffered a left shoulder injury in Week 11 that ruled him out for the season. The safety recorded with a disappointing six tackles across nine games.
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