The odds of the Giants avoiding Ezekiel Elliott to start the upcoming season may have increased.

The star Cowboys running back, already the subject of a long-running NFL personal conduct investigation, was allegedly involved in a late-night "altercation" at a Dallas bar, according to 105.3 The Fan in Dallas/Fort Worth.

Dallas police told Cowboys reporter Mike Fisher no arrests were made at Clutch Bar.

Statement from Dallas police regarding the Sunday night altercation that involved Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott: pic.twitter.com/AIObmC8uqW — Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 17, 2017

Citing sources in a Facebook Live post, Fisher said he was told a punch was thrown at the bar and police and an ambulance responded. It is not clear what Elliott's role, if any, was.

The Cowboys became aware of the situation early Monday morning, according to Fisher.

Elliott is facing a potential suspension due to a league investigation into domestic violence allegations made against him in 2016. ESPN's Adam Schefter has been reporting for several weeks Elliott's camp is bracing for a "short" suspension, likely for one or two games. If so, he would not be able to play against the Giants in the season opener on Sept. 10.

There is precedent for the NFL to view whatever may or may not have happened with Elliott in this specific incident as a separate matter from the current investigation. In that case, it would be unlikely any punishment for this incident could be handed out before the start of the season. But Fisher reported he has been told the NFL may look to punish Elliott for "the cumulative nature of his behavior."

If that is the case, this situation - as well as the March incident where he pulled a woman's top down at a St. Patrick's Day parade, exposing her, and his sighting at a marijuana dispensary in the Seattle area last August - could be considered if and when the league hands down punishment related to the domestic violence situation.

TALK IS CHEAP: Can the Giants contend for a Super Bowl this year?

Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Google Play, Soundcloud or iHeartRadio.

James Kratch may be reached at jkratch@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JamesKratch. Find our Giants coverage on Facebook.