OXNARD, California – The Dallas Cowboys kicked off 2019 Training Camp with an opening press conference. Players report to their first practice on Saturday as camp officially begins with the opening ceremony. Always an exciting time for the bunch but this year, hopeful faces surround the complex with the hope of the future. Dallas has a young and talented roster with 42 Pro Bowl appearances among the squad.
The team is not without issue, as star running back, Ezekiel Elliott, did not report to camp.
Cowboys’ Owner and General Manager, Jerry Jones, touched on the subject stating, “ He’s late.” He added “ everyone on this 80-man roster is signed…every person under contract is expected to be here. “
His absence has shocked the organization but Jerry made it clear that his absence “ does not diminish the excitement surrounding this team.”
An NFL team prepares for every scenario like they do with building depth in the event of an unexpected injury. This situation is no different for the Cowboys and business is usual in Oxnard.
Zeke’s contract is still in talks but the team is calm and collected. However, this is not the first time this situation has played out for America’s Team. In 1993, beloved hall of fame running back, Emmitt Smith, missed the first two games of the season until his contract was finalized. Dallas gave into Smith’s negotiations and desires after the team went 0-2 to begin the season without him. The Cowboys went on to their second straight Super Bowl that year.
Elliott knows his worth to the Cowboys following his outstanding 2018 season with his second NFL rushing title. The Cowboys’ identity on offense is their ground attack and No.21 is a necessity to the squad’s success. Dallas knows that and will come to an agreement with their leading rusher, it just might not be when either side expected or wanted it to be done. In the mean time, new additions to the team- Tony Pollard and Mike Weber have a chance to rise up with added reps.
