Cowboys: Latest news gives massive opportunity for dynamic player

Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard provide the Dallas Cowboys with one of the best rushing one-two punches in football. Elliott is the physical bruiser, while Pollard is the dynamic and explosive playmaker. The two complement each other very well. And with Dak Prescott becoming healthier, the Cowboys have the chance to really get the ground […]

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Dallas Cowboys
Sep 18, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy talks to offensive coordinator Kellen Moore before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard provide the Dallas Cowboys with one of the best rushing one-two punches in football. Elliott is the physical bruiser, while Pollard is the dynamic and explosive playmaker.

The two complement each other very well. And with Dak Prescott becoming healthier, the Cowboys have the chance to really get the ground game going. For Sunday, though, one player in particular is going to have a larger role.

It appears that Tony Pollard will take over the lead back position for the Cowboys against the Chicago Bears. That is because Ezekiel Elliott will likely miss the week eight matchup due to an injury that he suffered versus the Detroit Lions.

That seems to be the smart move. The bye week immediately follows Sunday's game versus the Bears. So, that would give Elliott two full weeks of rest before the Cowboys gear up for the second half of the regular season.

In the meantime, Tony Pollard has the opportunity to showcase what he can do in the lead role — again. Pollard has flashed brilliance in the past when given the majority of snaps in the backfield. That will again be the situation versus Chicago.

Pollard time to shine

Dallas Cowboys
Oct 9, 2022; Inglewood, California, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Pollard (20) breaks away from Los Angeles Rams cornerback Grant Haley (36) for a touchdown run in the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Tony Pollard has showcased game-breaking ability. His 57-yard touchdown scamper against the Los Angeles Rams was another data point in that regard. While he is not as strong in pass pro as Elliott, Pollard offers the Cowboys difference-making ability.

Pollard has not carried the ball more than 14 times in a single game with the Cowboys. However, he is among the most efficient backs in the NFL and is averaging more than five yards per carry this season.

"I mean whatever they ask of me to carry, I got it," Pollard said this week. "They call it, I’m gonna haul it."

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is also of the belief that Pollard can carry the load on Sunday in the case that Elliott misses his first game of the year.

"I don't know that I've ever seen him get tired," Jones said. "He has durability."

The Dallas Cowboys are set to roll with Tony Pollard as RB1 on Sunday with Malik Davis expected to see some snaps, too. Pollard is ready for the opportunity, and the Cowboys are fully confident in their dynamic playmaker.

Featured image via Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

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