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Dez: Elliott's troubles a 'stepping stone he's gonna get over'

Tim Heitman / USA TODAY Sports

Dez Bryant isn't worried about Ezekiel Elliott and the off-field drama currently surrounding him.

As he prepares to enter his second season in the NFL, Elliott is reported to be in the league's crosshairs regarding a domestic violence accusation. It's believed he was also present for an altercation at a Dallas bar last weekend, and he's appealing a speeding conviction.

Bryant thinks the 21-year-old running back will ultimately get past the distractions.

"It's just a steppingstone that he's gonna get over. Zeke's a young guy. I'm not blaming it on that. (But) freshman college to playing for America's team, it's kinda hard to deal with," Bryant told reporters Thursday at a barbecue in his hometown of Lufkin, Texas, according to ESPN.

Bryant faced similar scrutiny early in his career, but, by all accounts, has matured over the years.

"You gotta give Zeke credit because he do deserve it, he do deserve to have fun. Because he put that work in to have fun. But, as the years pass, as he gets older, he's gonna mature and things are gonna get a lot smoother," Bryant said.

Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett said earlier in the week he would speak with Elliott on Friday before the start of training camp.

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