Cowboys Rumors: Ezekiel Elliott, DAL Not Close to New Contract as Holdout Looms

In search of a new contract, Ezekiel Elliott is still missing from Dallas Cowboys training camp as the team prepares for its first conditioning drills on Friday. 

Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Elliott and the Cowboys have not been close in their recent discussions about a long-term extension:

The likelihood of an Elliott holdout picked up steam on Thursday when NFL Network's Jane Slater reported the two-time Pro Bowler wasn't on the Cowboys plane going to their training camp location in Los Angeles. 

Slater reported Friday Elliott has not arrived for the morning physical or conditioning run, adding that the team can now fine him at their discretion.

Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones has said they hope to work out a new deal with Elliott, but he didn't want to put a timetable on anything happening. 

"Certainly we've got a couple years there with Zeke to get that done," Jones told Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio in May. "We certainly want to get him done. He's the straw, if you will, that stirs our drink. He's a key part of what we're about. Those things take time to get done. They don't happen overnight. Certainly, he is a priority in terms of ultimately getting him signed. But there hasn't really been a timetable put on this."

Per Yahoo Sports' Charles Robinson, Elliott wants a deal in excess of the four-year, $57.5 million deal that Todd Gurley received from the Los Angeles Rams last year. 

Elliott has two years and $12.9 million remaining on his rookie contract. The 24-year-old has been one of the NFL's most productive running backs since being drafted No. 4 overall in 2016. He's led the league in rushing yards per game in each of his first three seasons and total rushing yards in 2016 and 2018. 

The Cowboys' first full practice is scheduled for Saturday. They will kick off their preseason schedule on Aug. 10 against the San Francisco 49ers.