Ezekiel Elliott's first four years with the Cowboys went excellent on the injury front. Despite only missing one game that hasn't been the case the last two seasons as a calf injury and a torn PCL have minimized his effectiveness.

The former first-round pick isn't talked about with the same enthusiasm as he was during his early years because of injuries, a reduction in play, and his contract. This makes the 2022 season a critical one for Elliott, and he feels that has to raise his level of play.

“I think every year we’ve got something to prove,’’ said Elliott.

Elliott got off to a great start last season. As the Cowboys were going 4-1 in their first five games, Elliott was third in the NFL in rushing during that span as well, breaking the century mark twice. An unfortunate turn of events came about against the Carolina Panthers in Week, which is when the aforementioned PCL injury took place but wasn't talked about until the Cowboys ended.

Although he was hobbled, Elliott was one of only seven rushers to reach 1,000 yards. Also, he reached double-digit rushing touchdowns for the second time in three seasons.

Elliott's sixth campaign with the Cowboys could have been stellar had it not been for his banged-up knee, but he isn't using that as an excuse, calling it a part of the game.

"I mean, I was hurt last year, but it's football, after Week 1 no one is going to be 100%. That's part of the game," Elliott said on Thursday. "I think I knew I was tough, I think I knew I could play through injuries … it was definitely tough, but hey, it's my job."

There's one way the Cowboys can assist in keeping Elliott healthy, more Tony Pollard. His ability to be effective in the run as the passing game along with his explosiveness makes him a threat to score every time the ball is in his hands. Unfortunately, offensive coordinator Kellen Moore hasn't found a way to feature him in three seasons, making Pollard the Cowboys' most underutilized and underappreciated player.

Elliott doesn't need to be the 25-30 carry a game back anymore. His bruising style between the tackles is complemented perfectly by Pollard's speed and agility. The more Pollard gets his hands on the ball the fresher Elliott will be to close games for the Cowboys in the fourth quarter.

Regardless of the vitriol that Elliott received last season, his play pre-injury was big-time, and he showed there's still good football left in his well-seasoned body if it's healthy.

Feature image via Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports