Jerry Jones was clearly posturing about Cowboys re-signing Ezekiel Elliott

If you're a Dallas Cowboys fan and the Ezekiel Elliott discourse is just now getting tiresome, we have one question for you: Where have you been the last four months?

All kidding aside, the chatter isn't going to end until Elliott signs somewhere. The two-time rushing champ recently took a free agent visit with the New England Patriots, and reports indicate the Jets have also shown interest.

The Cowboys are mentioned with the Patriots and Jets as possible Zeke suitors, but it's open for interpretation how real their alleged interest is.

In the wake of Ronald Jones' two-game suspension, owner Jerry Jones once again teased the possibility of re-signing Elliott, saying the Cowboys are "reading the tea leaves" and that Elliott isn't "ruled out at all."

Jones is no stranger to posturing to keep a Dallas talking point in the media, and that appears to be the case this time around as a trio of reporters from the Dallas Morning News weighed in on the Elliott discourse.

Jerry Jones is posturing by leaving the door open for Cowboys to re-sign Ezekiel Elliott

Michael Gehlken, David Moore and Calvin Watkins are among the best reporters on the Cowboys beat, and they don't view Elliott as a real possibility.

Moore referenced Tony Romo's injury during the 2016 preseason and how there was a "groundswell" of calls for Dallas to add a veteran quarterback. The Cowboys wisely stayed the course and discovered a gem in Dak Prescott.

"With the lack of proven talent behind Tony Pollard, it’s easy to understand this argument," Moore wrote. "But this is a draft-and-develop team. It’s been successful at this approach during Mike McCarthy’s tenure as head coach. The club shouldn’t abandon this now. "

Watkins is beating to the same drum as Moore.

"I just don’t believe Ezekiel Elliott is a viable option for this football team. Maybe somewhere else, but not with the Cowboys. When it comes to finding a veteran, I’d stick with the young backs behind Tony Pollard."

Finally, Gehlken mentioned that the Cowboys are asking more of their RBs in pass protection. It might be difficult to replace Elliott's impact in that regard, but Mike McCarthy has liked what he's seen from the physical Rico Dowdle. Though Malik Davis and Deuce Vaughn don't offer as much upside in pass pro (Davis can handle his own), Gehlken still doesn't see a fit for Elliott.

"There could be incentive here at some point to add a veteran who offers value in the passing game, particularly when weighing Dowdle’s injury history. But there is little need to make that sort of move today."

Again, Gehlken, Moore and Watkins are as plugged-in as anyone on the Cowboys beat. The fact they're in lockstep on Elliott suggests Jones was giving the media what it wants to hear.

Say what you will about the Cowboys owner, but he knows how to handle the media, even if he puts himself and the team in the media's crosshairs from time to time.

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