Why are Cowboys out of the playoffs? Exploring 3 turning points in Dallas' 2024 season

Dallas Cowboys long-time owner Jerry Jones said that he'll be "going all in" ahead of the 2024 regular season. The Cowboys fans heard the rallying cry and thought this season might differ from numerous letdowns over the past two decades.

However, it wasn't to be, as the Cowboys were eliminated at the end of the Week 16 slate of games. It's the first time since the 2020 season that America's team will not be in the postseason. Hence, before their last game against the Washington Commanders, let's highlight when the Cowboys' season went into tatters.

Why are the Dallas Cowboys out of the playoffs?

Here are three turning points in the Cowboys' 2024 season:

#1. Ezekiel Elliott's re-signing

Ezekiel Elliott (affectionately known by the fan base as Zeke) is a modern Dallas Cowboys legend. He owns several franchise records, earned multiple Pro Bowls on the team, and was part of one of the most exciting periods of the Cowboys' recent existence.

However, there's a reason why he was let go ahead of the 2023 regular season. Elliott's signature power had declined, his rushing yards had dropped, and Tony Pollard was simply a way better running back than him in the later years of his first stint in Dallas.

For some reason, Jones decided to sign and bring Elliott back as the team's feature for the 2024 season. It was an unmitigated disaster, just as many analysts predicted. Elliott mustered just 74 carries, 226 rushing yards and three touchdowns in 15 games this season. His touches could have been better served in the hands of Rico Dowdle.

#2. Dak Prescott's injury

Dak Prescott is another member of the 2016 draft class who earned legendary status for the Cowboys. Prescott has multiple Cowboys regular-season records, and he's arguably the team's most-loved quarterback since Troy Aikman left.

Prescott signed a four-year, $240 million contract with the Cowboys to make him the league's best-paid quarterback. However, he was ruled out of the season not too long after due to a hamstring injury. After the injury, the Cowboys lost three straight games, which was a turning point in their season.

Yes, Cooper Rush eventually came good, winning four out of five games before Week 17, but the damage was already done.

#3. CeeDee Lamb's AC Shoulder Sprain injury

The Dallas Cowboys have relied on CeeDee Lamb for years, especially after they let Amari Cooper go. Lamb's excellence was on display for multiple seasons, but he saw a decline in 2024 overall.

The perennial Pro Bowler then suffered an AC sprain in the Cowboys' Week 9 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. It was a week after Lamb racked up an impressive 147 receiving yards against the Detroit Lions.

The veteran wideout played through the injury, but it was clear that his productivity was limited. This, coupled with the lack of a top-tier running game, was decisive for the team's playoff chances. The team eventually shut down Lamb for the rest of the season ahead of their game against the Philadelphia Eagles.