Ezekiel Elliott first started to receive the bulk of the first-team reps during Week 2 of Dallas Cowboys OTAs.

Running back Darren McFadden missed practice and the rookie out of Ohio State took over on offense. One week later, Elliott isn't completely the No. 1 back out of Dallas just yet, but he did receive "lots" of first-team reps during the open part of OTAs on Wednesday. This also happened with McFadden back on the practice field returning from a family matter.

McFadden at work today ... but LOTS of first-team action for @EzekielElliott .. like, LOTS. #Cowboys @1053thefan — mike fisher âœ­ (@fishsports) June 8, 2016

What can you take away from this?

The Cowboys are making it clear, Elliott was drafted at No. 4 overall for a reason. The club appears to be very serious about the running back getting his fair share of carries for the upcoming season and it's looking more like the running back will begin the season in front of McFadden and Alfred Morris.

Of course, it's only just the end of the third week of team practices, but the Cowboys are giving Elliott more work with his feet finally under him. It was definitely a whirlwind of a first month for Elliott after going top 5 in the NFL Draft.

If Elliott continues to receive plenty of action with the first team during mandatory minicamp next week, look for the rookie to open training camp in late July as the team's featured back. While that's just a prediction, it's becoming more and more realistic that Elliott starts Week 1 next to quarterback Tony Romo when the Giants come to town.

The Most Underpaid Player On Every NFL Team in 2016

Cowboys offseason schedule:

OTAs: May 24-26, May 31, June 1-2, June 6-8

Mandatory minicamp: June 14-16