INDIANAPOLIS –It's been a quiet offseason for Ezekiel Elliott – especially considering how tumultuous his second NFL was in Dallas.
Elliott spent six games on the Reserve/Suspended list after months of contesting the NFL's ruling that he violated its personal conduct policy. Elliott has adamantly denied a former girlfriend's accusation of domestic violence – he was never arrested or charged – and the Cowboys supported him throughout the NFLPA's legal fight on behalf of the 22-year-old running back.
Tuesday at the NFL Scouting Combine, reporters asked Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones if the team has to monitor Elliott's off-the-field movements any differently this year.
Relative to his everyday life, Elliott acknowledged last year that he must recognize the spotlight he's in as a star athlete and how to handle it best.
"I think he's doing well. I wouldn't say we monitor him any closer," Jones said Tuesday. "You can only do so much. These are grown men. I have a lot of confidence that Zeke has learned a lot.
"He's a competitor. I think he wants to be one of the best. He certainly knows that he's got to take care of business, too. We've had great players that have had to do better before. Michael (Irvin) will tell you that he had to learn valuable lessons. But he turned out to be a Hall of Famer. I think if Zeke will pay attention and do the right things off the field and be responsible, then he can certainly have an amazing career."
Elliott led the league in rushing as a rookie in 2016 and finished 10th in rushing last year despite missing six games. The Cowboys (9-7) went 3-3 in his absence and missed the playoffs by a game.
