OXNARD, Calif. _ Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott practiced for the first time in two weeks Tuesday, but isn't ready to return to game action quite yet.
Elliott only participated in individual drills. He expects to return to team drills at some point next week. That means Elliott won't play in the second preseason game against the Miami Dolphins in Arlington, Texas on Friday night, and will probably make his pro debut in the "dress rehearsal" at Seattle on Aug. 25.
"I don't feel behind at all," Elliott said Tuesday. "I've done a good job of paying attention and getting my mental reps. Today or even yesterday when I came out for the first walk-through I didn't feel like I missed that much time. I just have to knock a little rust off and finally get back to work."
Elliott had been sidelined since Aug. 2 with a tight hamstring, and said he had no issues with it during his limited work Tuesday.
But Elliott admitted the past two weeks had been a "mental grind." He hated sitting on the sideline during the preseason opener Saturday in Los Angeles.
"It made me real anxious honestly. I haven't missed any games," Elliott said. "That was a little bit tough, but I know what's more important right now is making sure I'm getting healthy and getting ready for the season."
Elliott, speaking to reporters for only the second time in training camp, spoke on a wide range of topics. He praised the play of quarterback Dak Prescott in the preseason opener, said he had "one of the easiest jobs in America" running behind arguably the league's top offensive line and feels opposing defenses will have to "pick their poison" with the Cowboys' boasting multiple offensive weapons.
But Elliott remained mum on an ongoing investigation into domestic abuse allegations levied against him by a former girlfriend last month in Columbus, Ohio.
"I can't really comment on anything regarding an open legal matter, but I'd love to talk about football," Elliott said.
