Cowboys 'Concern'? Jerry Jones' Bold Ezekiel Elliott Reaction as New England Patriots Face Dallas

The Dallas Cowboys have had some notable homecomings over the years, but according to owner Jerry Jones, none exceed in importance that of running back Ezekiel Elliott's on Sunday.

With former Dallas Cowboys running back returning to face his former team as part of the New England Patriots on Sunday, "America's Team'' is experiencing some complex emotions.

On one hand, current Cowboys players realize that, despite their good times with Elliott, they must put those emotions aside to play their best. On the other, many, including Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, have been very vocal about their appreciation for Elliott's time in Dallas.

Leading up to the game, Jones has sung plenty of praise for his former running back. On Friday, not only did Jones hint about Elliott potentially having a spot in the team's ring of honor, but he even claimed that the running back's homecoming would be the most significant in team history. Jones even compared Elliott's return to that of another running back, NFL all-time rushing leader Emmitt Smith, but still believes the former's to be more impactful.

“I’ll tell you, not any more so than Zeke,” Jones said on 105.3 The Fan. “I don’t think I can recall anyone more than Zeke. Emmitt, when he went to the Cardinals for two years, that was quite a time. I remember that he got hurt sometime early in the ballgame. I really felt the same way as I would have if he had been with the Cowboys at the time.

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones with former running back Ezekiel Elliott

“Just can’t describe the positive things that Zeke brings. It’s a concern for me for him to play with the Patriots. Just his demeanor in the dressing room, in practice, in a way, it was as powerful as when you see him get that body low below his center of gravity and punish those tacklers.”

Elliott, 28, and the Cowboys parted ways this offseason after seven years together. In that time, he rushed for over 8,000 yards and 68 touchdowns while leading the league in rushing twice. While his production had declined in recent years, the main reason for his departure was due to his enormous contract that lasted until 2026.

Rumors swirled throughout the offseason about Elliott returning to Dallas on a cheaper deal, but nothing ever materialized.

When Elliott does make his return to AT&T Stadium, it's safe to say there will be a great showing of appreciation from Cowboys fans and personnel alike.