DALLAS (105.3 THE FAN) - Stephen Jones doesn't think a contract deal with star RB Ezekiel Elliott is close as some people think.

"I don't think we're close because there's not a lot of activity" said Jones in his weekly show with The Fan's GBag Nation.

When asked if the deal would be done soon, prior to Week 1 of the regular season, Jones said anything is possible.

"We feel confident things will get done" said Jones. "Things happen real quick, sometime within hours."

Even though Zeke has been holding out for the entire preseason, including training camp, Jones says Elliott has been communicating with his teammates.

Another starter not playing in the preseason is WR Amari Cooper, who has been dealing with a foot injury.

"My understanding is it’s more of a muscle strain. I think one thing everybody’s gotta be aware of... in the preseason you’re being ultra, ultra conservative" said Jones. "We're not going to play him in next week's preseason game (against Tampa Bay.) "I don't think we're close because there hasn't been a lot of activity. Right now I wouldn't say that I feel anything's imminent." -Stephen Jones — Jeff Cavanaugh (@JC1053) — Jeff Cavanaugh (@JC1053) August 23, 2019 Jones said he is looking forward to the final two preseason games, it gives them a chance to eveluate the younger players even more.

As for the other injuries that have popped up over the past few weeks, Jones feels optimistic that everyone will be ready to play by the start of the regular season on September 8th.

"We're very optimisting that we're going to have everyone available" said Jones.