Is an Ezekiel Elliott holdout imminent following report of travel plans?

It appears Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott does intend to holdout for training camp if a recent report about his out of country travel plans are true.

Last Monday, Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio reported that a league source indicated Dallas Cowboys’ running back Ezekiel Elliott was privately considering a holdout starting with training camp. The 23-year-old running back apparently wants a contract extension in Dallas despite still having two years left on his rookie deal.

Now, Florio reported Saturday afternoon that an unnamed league source believes Elliott is making plans to take a trip out of the country. This is presumably instead of attending training camp in Oxnard, California which officially kicks off next Saturday. This rumor tracks since Elliott spent time in Mexico during a previous six-game suspension.

Elliott has led the NFL in rushing yardage for two of his first three seasons in the league. He would have likely done so for all three years if not for that aforementioned suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy which he served in 2017.

And therein lies the biggest obstacle for a new deal getting done. When on-the-field, Elliott is undoubtedly the best all-around running back in the NFL. He’s a three-down back who can run the ball between the tackles, has the speed to turn the corner, catches like a wide receiver, and is ultra-reliable in pass protection. Zeke is the entire package.

Unfortunately, Elliott’s off-the-field issues are a major concern. Recently, an incident involving a 19-year-old security guard in Vegas was captured on video by TMZ Sports and investigated by the NFL. Although the league has since stated it will not punish Elliott for the incident, Zeke did meet with commissioner Roger Goodell in what most believed was akin to being called to the principal’s office. Goodell surely reminded Elliott his playing in the league is a privilege, not a right.

Yet, despite his numerous off-the-field issues, the Cowboys have had Elliott’s back. Specifically, owner and general manager Jerry Jones, who has publicly offered his full support and belief in Zeke. It would not be unreasonable to think Jones might expect that same kind of faith when it comes to Elliott’s possible holdout.

If Ezekiel Elliott has indeed made plans to be out of the country while his teammates start training camp next weekend, would that damage the goodwill and relationship built between himself, Jerry Jones, and the rest of the Dallas Cowboys’ brass? Would it make it easier to trade him away? Or will the Cowboys simply give-in to his holdout tactic and work out a new deal to get him on the field? It is anyone’s guess at this point.

But one thing is for sure. All eyes will be on Oxnard this week to see if No. 21 shows up in California or not.