Cowboys’ Jones seems worry-free over Elliott holdout
OXNARD >> Ezekiel Elliott’s contract holdout doesn’t have Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones worried about a resolution or a timeline.
At least that’s the message Jones is offering about trying to get a deal done with his missing two-time NFL rushing champion.
“When have I ever not done one?” Jones said after practice at training camp on Thursday night. “So I don’t worry about that. You just keep plugging.”
Elliott has missed five camp practices while seeking a new contract despite having two years remaining on his current one.
The fourth overall choice in the 2016 draft, Elliott is due to make $3.9 million this season and $9.1 million in the fifth year, which was a team option since the former Ohio State star was a first-round pick.
Two days after seven-year veteran and former Elliott backup Alfred Morris returned to the Cowboys, Jones suggested he was prepared for a long holdout with the 2016 All-Pro who led the league in rushing as a rookie that year.
“I don’t see a point months into the season,” Jones said. “While we’re not there right now, there are some lines there. And they do bite when you don’t play. I don’t have a time that I’m looking at that is a concern.”
The Cowboys can fine Elliott $40,000 per day, and Elliott risks losing a season that would count toward free agency if he doesn’t report at least 30 days before the Sept. 8 season opener at home against the Giants.
Jets’ Beachum, Montgomery dealing with ankle injuries
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. >> The Jets might be down a few key players for a couple of days.
Left tackle Kelvin Beachum and running back/wide receiver Ty Montgomery are dealing with ankle injuries that could sideline them for a few days.
Coach Adam Gase said Friday neither injury appears serious. The Jets practice again Saturday before having a day off Sunday.
Jaguars rookie TE Oliver has ‘significant’ hamstring injury
JACKSONVILLE, FLA. >> Jacksonville Jaguars rookie tight end Josh Oliver has a “significant” hamstring injury that could cause him to miss the regular-season opener.
A third-round draft pick from San Jose State, Oliver strained his right hamstring during practice Thursday. Tests later revealed the extent of the damage.
“These hamstring things, is it a serious one? It is,” coach Doug Marrone said Friday. “I don’t know how he heals. I don’t know how he’ll react to it. I’d like to be able to get him back, but we’ll prepare and get everyone else reps.”