With only one preseason game left, time is running out for the Dallas Cowboys to work out a deal with running back Ezekiel Elliott before the start of the 2019 NFL season. It appears team owner Jerry Jones already has a timetable for his return in mind.

There has not been much talk about the progress made in contract negotiations. According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, Jones is more focused on having him back for a potential playoff run.

“We’ve got a marathon here,” Jones said earlier this week. “We want Zeke when we get to the playoffs. We want Zeke when we’re in the dog days of the season.”

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Jones' comments indicate that he is confident that Elliott will be back in the mix one way or another. He will need to to be active for at least eight games if he hopes to receive credit for the fourth year of his rookie deal. It is safe to say that Jones has no problem with welcoming him back fully healthy for the second half of the year.

It is no secret that expectations are as high as ever for the Cowboys going into the 2019 campaign. Having a fully-preserved Elliott in the mix could pay huge dividends for their playoff run. Of course, it still remains to be seen whether or not he has any intention of showing up this season.

There has been little indication that Elliott will be using Week 6 as a deadline for his return. Dallas being without their two-time rushing champ certainly hinders their chances in the postseason.