FRISCO, Texas– Minutes before taking the field for his second OTA practice this week, head coach Jason Garrett met with the media in a scheduled press conference.
While he was asked about the OTA process and injuries, the room was packed with media members likely to hear his stance on the recent Ezekiel Elliott situation.
However, Garrett sidestepped the matter.
"I have no real comment beyond just being aware of the situation," Garrett said. "Stephen Jones spoke on behalf of the organization the other day."
Over the weekend, Elliott was not arrested, but detained by Las Vegas officers after an incident with a security guard, which was captured on a video from a bystander.
Stephen Jones said on Monday the team was still "gathering information" on the incident and didn't want to speculate further.
Elliott practiced on Tuesday and is expected to participate in the OTA sessions all week.
Here are some other takeaways that came from Garrett's press conference:
- Linebacker Leighton Vander Esch won't be practicing this week due to a pelvic injury he has experienced here recently. Garrett said the Pro Bowl linebacker has been "dealing with it" and just won't be rushed back into action anytime soon.
- Players in that same boat are Taco Charlton, Tavon Austin, Antwaun Woods and Tyrone Crawford, who have all been rehabbing injuries from this offseason.
- Garrett also mentioned other players being held back due to surgeries, such as Allen Hurns, Byron Jones and DeMarcus Lawrence.
- Newly-signed defensive tackle Christian Covington recently suffered a calf injury and will not practice this week.
- Center Travis Frederick, who missed all of last year due to Guillain-Barre syndrome, will work in individual drills this week, but not team participation, Garrett said.
