The Dallas Cowboys left for their 2019 Training Camp today without Running Back Ezekiel Elliott, who did not join them for the team flight to Los Angeles. Is this a sign that Zeke will actually be holding out of camp, or is it too soon for panic mode?
There’s been loads of talk the last two weeks that Elliott might hold out in search of a new contract. But while his absence on the team flight is concerning, it’s hardly a formal declaration of a holdout.
In fact, Zeke is free to report to Oxnard, CA by whatever form of transportation he wishes. All that matters is that he arrives for the team’s physicals on Friday morning.
My sources tell me that despite a seat assignment on today’s flight to LA, with less than 10 minutes before takeoff, Ezekiel Elliott, is not on the plane. Players in the past have met the team in Oxnard. He has until tomorrow am to do so. #Cowboys #TrainingCamp
— Jane Slater (@SlaterNFL) July 25, 2019
The seat assignment? 9A. Ezekiel Elliott did not check in on today’s American flight. Why #Cowboys fans shouldn’t panic just yet #ZekeWatch #TrainingCamp pic.twitter.com/0saaNrdsSd
— Jane Slater (@SlaterNFL) July 25, 2019
There is plenty of precedent for players showing up to training camp independently. This is especially true of star players whose wallets aren’t as affected by paying for their own flights.
Of course, how much any of this means will be decided by what Elliott finally does tomorrow. If Zeke still isn’t with the Cowboys in the next 24-48 hours, then it’s certainly time to sound the alarm.
But don’t go spending a high fantasy pick on Tony Pollard just yet.
