Buy or sell? Judging 6 Dallas Cowboys training camp narratives

Buy: Ezekiel Elliott‘s potential holdout

This is a legitimate concern and should be viewed as one for all parties involved. Not only could a potential holdout threaten Elliott’s status on the roster, but it could also damage the Cowboys’ locker room chemistry, become a constant media distraction, and threaten the team’s postseason chances.

During his time in Dallas, Elliott has always been a bit of a slow starter. Last season, Zeke didn’t post his first 100-rushing yard game until Week Three. The same thing happened in his rookie season. In 2017, Elliott had 104 rushing yards in Week One but didn’t reach the century mark again until four games later.

The point being is that Elliott needs the extra time to get rolling. A holdout would delay that start. The Cowboys’ first three regular-season contests are against the New York Giants, Washington Redskins and Miami Dolphins. All winnable games, and would serve as a great launching point for Elliott.

But Dallas will then face the New Orleans Saints, Green Bay Packers, and the Philadelphia Eagles before their Week Eight bye. In order to secure victories in those games, Elliott’s presence is surely required. If Zeke holds out any part of the season, even if he returns by Week Four, his history suggests it takes him time to shake the rust off.

The Cowboys surely can’t afford a slow start with teams like the New England Patriots, the Chicago Bears, and the Los Angeles Rams slated for the second half of the season. The narrative is real, folks. Dallas needs to get this situation resolved as soon as possible.