OXNARD, Calif. — Jason Garrett declined to address his star running back’s absence in an all-team meeting with the Dallas Cowboys to kick off training camp.

The man coaching on the final year of his contract didn’t focus on the running back under contract for two more, even if Ezekiel Elliott’s participation in the Cowboys’ 2019 season could impact Garrett’s job security.

But another Cowboys leader, quarterback Dak Prescott, gave the remaining running backs a message.

"This is a great time for them," Prescott said. "I talked to a couple young ones and said, 'This is a great opportunity. Don’t ask why it came, just go out there and get better.'

" 'Opportunities happen and you never ask why. Just take them and run with them. ... If you don’t, we all know they can pass you by.' "

Prescott would know. As a rookie, he entered training camp fourth on the depth chart. Then backup quarterback Kellen Moore, who’s now Cowboys offensive coordinator, broke his ankle. Starter Tony Romo fractured his back in a preseason game vs. Seattle. Jameill Showers would eventually move to Cowboys safety.

And the 135th pick of the 2016 draft would become the first quarterback in NFL history who was taken after the first three rounds to start every game in his first three seasons.

The situations aren’t identical. Prescott’s competition had no choice but to rest after their injuries. Elliott is healthy and could return when he chooses. But coaches are still preaching a next-man-up philosophy this week.

In Elliott’s absence, four running backs who claim a combined six NFL carries for 11 yards will fight for first-team snaps. Darius Jackson, whom the Cowboys drafted 216th in 2016, and rookie Tony Pollard took snaps with the ones in Sunday morning’s walkthrough. Each carried the ball and worked on catching passes from Prescott in team drills. They carried with them Prescott’s message.

“From Dak’s perspective, maybe to some degree, he’s been in that situation, right?” Moore told USA TODAY Sports. “Those reps have been awesome for him.

“When you’re young, you want to get as many reps as possible. So it’s a good situation for them.”

Pollard said after the walkthrough that he’s gained comfort with Moore’s system since Dallas drafted him out of Memphis. He admires Moore’s ability to weave college creativity into play calls. Pollard said the increased confidence has enabled him to be “not as timid, show yourself out there.” His goal: prove he’s a playmaker all over the field with versatility.

If he is, the Cowboys will find a role for him on offense with or without Elliott as their workhorse. Elliott’s influence on Pollard remains strong: Pollard lauded his leadership in the offseason before the holdout began Friday. Elliott worked out at Cowboys headquarters “like a few days before we had to report,” Pollard told USA TODAY Sports on Sunday. “I seen him up there.”

Elliott hosted younger backs at his home, Pollard said.

“His leadership with us younger backs inviting us to his house, going over plays and trying to show us the ropes and the way things go,” Pollard said.

It’s moves like that which contribute to teammates unanimously voicing support for Elliott, acknowledging that “you have to realize it’s a business at the end of the day and guys going to make business decisions,” Pollard said, “but you have to take care of you.”

Prescott, who has talked to Elliott since training camp began, struck the same tone. No doubt his draft classmate is missing football but “business is business,” Prescott said. “We’re not worried about him because we know wherever he is, he’s doing things the right way. He’s getting himself ready. He’s probably running the same drills [coaches] would have him going through.

“He takes care of his business, he’s a professional, and that’s something we’re all thankful for.”

Follow USA TODAY Sports NFL writer Jori Epstein on Twitter: @JoriEpstein

If you love talking football, we have the perfect spot for you. Join our Facebook Group, The Ruling Off the Field, to engage in friendly debate and conversation with fellow football fans and our NFL insiders.