Jerry Jones continues to leave door open for return of Ezekiel Elliott to Dallas Cowboys

It’s a move that’s as unlikely to happen as the Dallas Cowboys pursuit of free agent receiver DeAndre Hopkins.

But it’s also one that owner Jerry Jones refuses to close the door on.

So one day before the start of mini camp, which runs Tuesday through Thursday at the Star in Frisco, Jones was asked about potential moves the team could make before training camp begins in July and he voluntarily brought up the possible return of running back Ezekiel Elliott.

Jones pointed out that the Cowboys worked out six players on Monday and were keeping their hope open on in regards to talented people in three free agent market.

“I never shut the door never relative to the potential to smartly add to our team for this year,” Jones said. “I will tell you that 99% of my thinking is about this year. Now you got to think about the impact on other years when you make these decisions. So you name it, whether it be Zeke whether it be where we are with like the guys we worked out here today. It were all the time looking to add depth add depth, not just for training camp but also add depth for that 53. So so it’s all wide open for me.”

The Cowboys cut Elliott, a two-time NFL rushing champion, in March because of a decline production and to save $10.9 million on the salary cap.

The Cowboys didn’t even offer Elliott a pay cut to remain with the team and have focused on elevating Tony Pollard, a first-time Pro Bowler in 2022, to role of lead back. They signed Ronald Jones in free agency and have Malik Davis and rookie draft pick Deuce Vaughn in the running back room behind Parsons.

The Cowboys could still use a bigger back for short-yardage and goal-line situations.

And while undrafted free agent fullback Hunter Luepke could fill that role, it’s also a void for an experienced veteran to fill during camp or after final cuts.

If Elliott has still not found a home, it’s an option for him.

But, as of now, the talk of an Elliott return is more of a hypothetical situation in Jones’ mind than a realistic opportunity they are currently pursing.

The Cowboys have had no discussions since Elliott’s release with his representatives about a possible return.

“I wouldn’t want to get into the nature of how we’ve done it,” Jones said when asked he has spoken to Elliott’s representatives. “And certainly, it’s no secret that Zeke is evaluating what his opportunities are and we’re evaluating what we’re doing as well.”