On Monday, July 15th, a rumor surfaced that Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott plans to sit out training camp. This report comes just three months after the Cowboys exercised their fifth-year option on the former NFL Rookie of the Year. So what does this mean for upcoming fantasy football drafts? At this stage, there’s no cause for panic. Furthermore, if Elliott were to slide down draft boards, it would only add value to one of 2019’s top players.

The news

If statements are accurate, Elliott plans to hold out of training camp unless a contract extension can be negotiated. The keywords being “training camp.” If the rumors have any integrity to them, Elliott would be ready to play week one whether he attends training camp or not.

But I’d understand Elliott’s angle if he sat out longer. This strategy would put the Cowboys at an impasse. With various elements of their team in need of new deals, owner Jerry Jones may have to ante up to sustain the Cowboys’ Super Bowl window. This is a perfectly timed power play by Elliott and worst-case scenario, it would set up negotiations ahead of the 2020 season.

For these reasons, I expect a deal to get done. Just not as quickly as Elliott would like. Jones has always valued immediate success, but he won’t be bullied. For that reason, I suppose Jones will call his bluff.

And whether Elliott is selected later in fantasy football drafts as a result of the recent rumors, I’m still not troubled about him missing time. Even if he happened to miss the first few weeks, he could still carry your team to a league championship. Because when Elliott’s on the field, he can outproduce anyone in fantasy football. But don’t take my word for it. Let the tape do the talking.

NEXT: Ezekiel Elliott film study