NFL Rumors: Dallas Cowboys Wide Receiver Dealing With Injury, Contract Talks Stall

The Dallas Cowboys have a lot of things to iron out, particularly the contract of their three stars. The past weeks have seen the NFL world focus on Ezekiel Elliott and Dak Prescott, both of whom have yet to agree to their respective deals. The third one is Amari Cooper, perhaps the one making less noise although it appears an injury has somehow contributed to stalled contract talks.

Acquired by the Cowboys from the Oakland Raiders last NFL season, the 25-year-old wide receiver has been hardly active at the Dallas Cowboys training came with reports that he is dealing with a plantar fascia irritation, according to sources in a report by Mike Fisher of Maven Sports. The injury was described as a bruised heel, although Mickey Spagnola of DallasCowboys.com claims that the three-time Pro Bowler is dealing with more of a ligament thing.

To finally set the record straight, head coach Jason Garrett gave an official update on the real status of the wide receiver via Dallascowboys.com.

"Day-by-day," he said. "He's making progress, and we're certainly not gonna rush him back. ... He's getting closer and closer. He's working on the side. So, we don't think this is a long-term thing, but we just want to be deliberate in bringing him back."

Cooper did not participate for the Cowboys in their preseason opener against the San Francisco 49er but was running routes. That should be a good sign that he is on the right track to recovery, although there are more important matters that need to be addressed.

As mentioned earlier on, Cooper is one of three Cowboys stars who have contract issues. And while team owner Jerry Jones reiterated that the trio will be getting offers commensurate to the top-five players of their respective positions, Elliott and Prescott have so far held out. Will it be the same for Cooper?

Cooper is entering the final season of his $27.7 million contract and is expected to be dangled an extension soon. But his current state could factor in, particularly on the contract longevity. At 25, the 4th pick of the 2015 NFL Draft has plenty of football years ahead. However, his availability moving forward is likely to be considered as well by Cowboys management when it comes to penning down the fine print of his next deal.