Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott wasn't aboard the team plane Thursday as it traveled to Southern California for training camp, sources told NFL Network's Jane Slater.
Elliott has reportedly been contemplating a holdout in an effort to accelerate extension talks. Cowboys players aren't required to show up for camp until Friday. The first practice is scheduled for Saturday.
Elliott has two years, including a fifth-year option, left on his rookie contract. The 24-year-old led the NFL in rushing twice over his first three years in the league.
Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett said Wednesday he had no reason to believe a holdout was on the horizon. Team officials have been confident that Elliott will attend camp, sources told Slater.
The Cowboys have prioritized new deals for quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver Amari Cooper - both of whom are entering contract years - over Elliott this offseason.
Elliott will be subject to a $40,000 fine for each day he misses training camp, if he does indeed hold out.
