Cowboys' Stephen Jones expresses optimism that Ezekiel Elliott will reach contract extension before Week 1

The Dallas Cowboys open the 2019 NFL season in high-profile fashion, squaring off with the division rival New York Giants on Sept. 8 in Arlington. While that game will draw big-time attention no matter who lines up on either side, plenty of attention is being paid to the status of Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott, who continues to hold out from training camp in search of a lucrative contract extension. This week, however, Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones expressed real optimism that Elliott will be on the field for the opener. 

"Things happen real quick," Jones told 105.3 The Fan in Dallas. "Sometimes within hours."

It should be noted that Jones went on to say that he doesn't believe the two sides are "close," citing a lack of activity with the negotiations. Still, it is noteworthy that a primary decision maker would be positive about the prospect of Elliott taking the field for Week 1. 

After all, the Cowboys are heavily reliant on Elliott to generate efficient and effective offense. The 24-year-old running back has generated more than 4,000 rushing yards in only 40 regular season games and, at the very least, Elliott's dynamic presence on the field would make things easier for Dak Prescott, Amari Cooper and the passing game. 

At present, Dallas has reportedly offered Elliott a deal that would pay him the second-largest contract in the NFL for a running back, landing between Le'Veon Bell and Todd Gurley. That doesn't appear to be enough for Elliott, at least for now, and discussions will be ongoing as the opener approaches. 

The Cowboys are currently 7-point favorites over the Giants at home in Week 1, with 18-1 odds to win the Super Bowl this season.