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7 Cowboys Who’ve Gone Missing to Begin the Season

We're only three weeks into the 2024 NFL season and these seven Dallas Cowboys players are already missing without a trace.

By Devon Platana

Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (15) celebrates his first down run against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field.
Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (15) celebrates his first down run against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field. / Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
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5. Mazi Smith, DT

Mazi Smith's 2023 rookie season was nothing short of a bust, but that was supposed to change this year. After all, the Cowboys encouraged the former first-rounder to regain some weight over the summer while defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer was seen as someone who could help Smith finally realize his potential.

Smith entered training camp with more size and strength than before, ready to show the world what he was capable of doing in Year 2. Fast forward to the third week of the 2024 campaign where Dallas fans are still waiting on the ex-Michigan defender to make an impact.

Despite playing 56 defensive snaps through two games, Smith has failed to record a single tackle. The Saints proved in Week 2 that teams can have zero issues blowing by the 23-year-old on the ground, which played a role in Pro Football Focus giving him a 27.9 run defense grade after two outings — the third-worst mark among 112 eligible interior defenders.

If that isn't bad enough, Smith's 28.9 overall defense grade ranks second-worst at his position.

The Cowboys expected Smith to be a reliable starting presence on their defensive line this season, so it's up to the former Wolverine to turn things around. A strong performance against the Ravens this weekend would likely land him back in the fanbase's good graces.

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