Cowboys' Ezekiel Elliott: Expects to sit out preseason finale

Elliott does not expect to play in Thursday's preseason finale against the Texans, Clarence Hill of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Analysis:

If there were any argument for Elliott to play, it would be the Cowboys' desire to get him more snaps alongside Dak Prescott, who is expected to start at quarterback for at least the first few weeks of the season. While the absence of Tony Romo (back) could be problematic for the entire Dallas offense, it may lead to a scenario in which Elliott's workload is somehow even larger than previously expected. The rookie figures to start his career with a three-down role, playing in an offense that gave DeMarco Murray nearly 400 carries in 2014. Granted, the Cowboys could look to mix in Alfred Morris, with Lance Dunbar (knee) and Darren McFadden (elbow) potentially having limited roles once they're healthy. Elliott impressed in his lone preseason appearance, gaining 49 yards on seven carries against a tough Seattle defense.