Reports: Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas Cowboys nearing agreement

It's not out of the question that Ezekiel Elliott will play in the Dallas Cowboys' season opener next Sunday against the rival New York Giants. In fact, it's looking more likely by the day.

Reports out of Dallas are the two-time All-Pro running back and the team he's under contract with may be finalizing a deal that keeps Elliott in town for a long time and potentially gets him in uniform by next Sunday.

ESPN's Adam Schefter noted on Twitter that the two sides are close and a deal could be done as soon as this Labor Day extended weekend.

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Another sign that talks are going well: The Cowboys released three running backs on Saturday's cutdown day, leaving only Alfred Morris and Tony Pollard as the lone RBs on the roster.

Elliott, 24, is still on his rookie contract, and he's clearly underpaid based on that figure. In three seasons, Elliott has led in the NFL in rushing twice, and is a two-time All-Pro and Pro Bowler. He's missed all of training camp in protest of his pay. 

The Cowboys reportedly offered a deal that would make Elliott the second-highest paid running back in the league, more than the four-year, $52.5 million deal Le'Veon Bell signed with the Jets, but less than the four-year, $57.5 million deal of Todd Gurley with the Los Angeles Rams.

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Signing by Monday would allow Elliott to return to Dallas in time for a full week of practice before Sunday's opener. The Cowboys are favored by seven points in their opener at home against the Giants.