The Ezekiel Elliot-Cowboys standoff could be ending soon, per reports

It’s starting to look like Ezekiel Elliott will play this week.

The star running back and the Dallas Cowboys’ offseason of jockeying for leverage regarding a contract extension could be ending soon, according to several media reports.

ESPN reported that Elliott is flying from Cabo, Mexico, to Texas to finalize the negotiations, which are “very close." Elliott has two years left on his rookie deal. He is seeking a long-term commitment from the Cowboys.

The Cowboys host the New York Giants on Sunday at 4:25 p.m. They play Washington the week after, so Elliott’s presence early in the season could make or break the team’s position in the NFC East race down the stretch.

Through three seasons, Elliott has rushed for more than 4,000 yards and 28 touchdowns. Last season, he led the league with 304 carries, and it wasn’t even close. He had 43 more carries than the next highest (Giants rookie Saquon Barkley).

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has been busy this offseason, extending the team’s core young pieces. They re-signed offensive tackle La’el Collins to a five-year, $50 million contract on Tuesday. Two weeks ago, they re-signed linebacker Jaylon Smith to a five-year, $64 million deal.

But there’s still plenty of work to be done. Quarterback Dak Prescott, wide receiver Amari Cooper, and Elliott are all awaiting extensions, with each player expecting a big payday.