There were some rumors that Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Pollard would see more snaps, which could mean star running back Ezekiel Elliot would see his workload cut. Now, it seems like Elliot will remain the focal point of the Cowboys’ run game, and Pollard might slide into the third wide receiver role until Michael Gallup returns from injury. Pollard will often be used split wide to make mismatches. He will also likely get more time this season as a wide receiver, even after Gallup’s return.
The Cowboys sold wide receiver Amari Cooper, Tony Pollard and CeeDee lamb to Cleveland Browns. Wide receiver CeeDee Lam, Tony Pollard and tight end Dalton Schultz all saw the majority of the targets. This will result in Elliot receiving more targets and more rush opportunities. Elliot finished 2021 with 237 runs for 1,002 yards and 12 touchdowns. Pollard had 719 total rushing yards, two touchdowns and 130 attempted runs. Pollard also added 337 receiving yards, compared to Elliott’s 287 receiving yards.
Jerry Jones assures Cowboys fans Elliot will lead the team.
“We gotta have Tony Pollard out there. No, seriously, Zeke’s gotta be our feature, and he is our feature … We can feature him in a lot of different ways. Because of his protective ability, we all know what he does when he passes. Don’t ever underestimate that especially with Zeke. Zeke takes some tolls when he’s out there as a back blocking. So it’s critical that we make Zeke — because he’s capable of being that — really the focus of what we’re doing. Now then, Pollard, there’s plenty of room for Pollard. There’s plenty of room for Pollard when Zeke’s in there. Pollard must get the ball. He has to be the focal point … There is room for Pollard while Zeke is in there.”
These are some interesting comments #CowboysJerry Jones is the owner @nflnetwork, saying that Zeke Elliott “has to be the focus” in the run game. “He has to be the focal point” based on his work in the run game and pass game. “There is room for (Tony) Pollard while Zeke is in there.”
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 30, 2022
Elliot currently ranks 28th on Fantasy football Sleeper’s average draft order. Elliot’s running back potential is still high, so anyone who takes him late in the draft will be greatly benefited by his performance. He is the current 57th listed player on the draftboard. It is best to carry Zeke and Pollard for insurance in the event of one of them getting hurt. But both players are viable options this upcoming season; in order to ease quarterback Dak Prescott’s workload, the Cowboys coaching staff could opt to lean more toward Elliot and Pollard.
Elliot enters the second season of his six year contract. Pollard will become an unrestricted agent after the season. On September 11, the Cowboys open their season against Tom Brady and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
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