Jerry Jones is putting on a brave face, but the writing is on the wall. The usually packed stands at Cowboys training camp are looking more like a ghost town this year. Fans are making their voices heard, and it’s not pretty music for owner Jones.

In a tweet shared by WFAA sports anchor and Play-by-Play broadcaster Mike Leslie, Big D’s owner revealed how he felt about the lack of fans at practice. “I look at the crowds just like you do. The crowd we had out here on Opening Day looked every bit like the crowd we’ve become accustomed to,” said Jones. “I know this—from the standpoint of the traffic jams out here, and the miles of people trying to get in, there will be 100,000 people. But there’s just so much going on around here, that that hasn’t been something that should concern us.”

While the Cowboys haven’t released official attendance figures in years, the drop-off is plain as day, and Jerry Jones seems pretty unconcerned. Once-packed stands are now empty, especially on Dallas’ first day of full-pads practice—the closest thing to real football before preseason. Even Sunday’s practice was light on fans—a major switch from the usual sea of blue and silver jerseys. 

Even Cowboys’ Ezekiel Elliott noticed the decline, spilling the beans to the media that he had fewer fans this summer. The running back offered a diplomatic chuckle when asked about the sparse crowds, wisely avoiding the hot-button topic.

While fans are boycotting the camp, the on-field action’s offered some bright spots. Rookie left tackle and the team’s first-round pick Tyler Guyton’s shown impressive reps protecting QB Dak Prescott‘s blind side. The massive lineman held his own against Micah Parsons, a promising sign for the future. One day of work, but good work for Guyton! 

Then there was the former No. 3 pick Trey Lance, who got some cool first-team snaps at the tail-end of the practice. No QB controversy yet, but Dallas’ definitely exploring all their options under center. 

With empty seats at training camp, the Jones’ Cowboys need to spark some serious fan passion while the drama with Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb’s contract negotiations keep unfolding.

Jerry Jones revealed talks are still underway for Prescott and Lamb’s contract extensions 

Big D’s owner is playing coy; Jones is keeping things close to the vest when it comes to contract talks with QB Prescott and WR Lamb. Both players are in the final year of their deals and, so far, there’s been no progress.

“I would not have a legitimate progress point there at all [with Prescott] and I really don’t have one for Lamb either,” Jones said, per ESPN’s Todd Archer’s report. “And it’s not negative. I’m just not thinking that it will do any good to talk about progress.”

Prescott’s current deal of four-years, $140M, is set to expire after this season, and with a massive cap hit of $55M, the Cowboys are in a precarious position. If they don’t extend his contract, he’ll be able to hit free agency next March. If the 31-year-old signs elsewhere, he’ll count about $40M against Dallas’ cap. He’s himself made it clear he wants to set a new standard for NFL player contracts.

CeeDee Lamb, meanwhile, has already initiated a contract standoff by holding out from training camp. While he and Prescott have exchanged birthday wishes, Lamb’s camp is clearly looking for a significant payday.

 “I know, he shared with me he’s wanting to get back, ready to get back, hoping this thing gets done for him. I know, I am as well,” Prescott said. “Hopefully, we’ll get him back sooner than later. But I know he’s grinding and working and ready to get back to work.

With the regular season on the horizon, the Cowboys are racing against the clock to lock in their top two offensive stars. Missing the mark could seriously shake up the franchise.