IRVING – While Greg Ellis' hopes of having parts of his contract guaranteed appear to be stalled, the defensive end will be on the Cowboys' flight to Oxnard, Calif., on Thursday, according to his agent, Butch Williams.
Because of a drop in playing time last season and a shift in how he will be used this season, Ellis is concerned about his role and long-term future in Dallas. Still, he tied for the team lead in sacks last season with eight, marking the fifth straight year he led or tied for the team lead in that category.
Owner and general manager Jerry Jones said he is not worried about Ellis heading into training camp, although they have not talked since the June minicamp.
"He is a consummate pro and class individual," Jones said, "and got all the incentives there are to have a really great year."
If Ellis chose to hold out of camp, he would face a fine of $14,000 a day, according to the new collective bargaining agreement.
E-mail tarcher@dallasnews.com
KEY DATES
Thursday: Cowboys arrive in Oxnard, Calif.
Friday: Bill Parcells, Jerry Jones opening news conference
Saturday: First practice
Aug. 12: at Seattle, 9 p.m.
Aug. 21: vs. New Orleans in Shreveport, La., 7 p.m.
Aug. 26: vs. San Francisco, 7 p.m.
Aug. 20: Break camp
Aug. 31: vs. Minnesota, 7 p.m.
Sept. 10: Season opener at Jacksonville, 3:15 p.m.
