The Dallas Cowboys went through the 2019 NFL preseason without star running back Ezekiel Elliott, who is currently holding out in hopes of landing a new contract. Without Elliott in the backfield, the Cowboys went 2-2.
And while they prepare for the season-opener, it could be time for concern in Big D.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones recently updated the media on Zeke’s contract status and it appears as though the franchise is preparing to enter the regular season without him. In fact, it could be weeks until the Cowboys see Elliott back on the field.
“I’m operating as though right now he’s going to miss regular-season games,” Jones said while speaking to the media. “My entire expectation for what we’re putting together as a team right now would anticipate with him holding out. That he’s going to miss games. I just accept that.”
There are reports that the Cowboys current contract offer would pay Elliott more than New York Jets running back Le’Veon Bell but less than Los Angeles Rams back Todd Gurley. Elliott, however, wants to be the highest-paid running back in the National Football League so talks are at a standstill.
Without Elliott on the field, the Cowboys will turn to rookie running back Tony Pallard, a fourth-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft out of the University of Memphis.
The Dallas Cowboys will officially kickoff their 2019-20 campaign on Sunday, September 8 against the NFC East rival New York Giants. The game — which takes place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas — is set to kickoff at 4:25 p.m. ET on FOX.