Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Pollard has emerged as an electrifying talent and is set to be the team's lead back next season. Unfortunately, the dynamic Pollard is recovering from an ankle injury that he suffered in the playoff loss to the 49ers.

Since that injury, the Cowboys placed the franchise tag on Pollard, locking him in with the team for the 2023 NFL season. Additionally, Dallas made the decision to move on from franchise star Ezekiel Elliott and pass on drafting another back.

Therefore, the Cowboys are counting on Pollard to be ready to go for week one. And the good news is that he himself is feeling better than ever about his abilities for the next season.

“I’m a little bit ahead of schedule,” Pollard told the media this week about where things stand with his rehab from the injury. “I’m not really limited at this point, it’s just being smart with it.”

Pollard even noted that he feels faster and has no limitations of what he is able to do at this point. Obviously, both of those things are encouraging with the Cowboys planning an even bigger role for the back.

Cowboys RB Tony Pollard said he’s running and cutting full speed: “I’m a little bit ahead of schedule. … I’m not really limited at this point, it’s just being smart with it.” pic.twitter.com/lUelOGdqy6

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) June 1, 2023

Furthermore, the former day-three NFL Draft selection is prepared for the opportunities that are coming his way. Pollard explained that Elliott taught him a lot during their time together.

“I’m definitely ready for the opportunity,” Pollard said. “Having a vet like Zeke here for the years that I was here with him, it was a great learning experience for me to see how you’re supposed to handle things as a vet and the older guy in the room."

Tony Pollard will be a key component of what the Dallas Cowboys want to do on offense next season. Fortunately, the dynamic offensive threat is trending favorably post-injury.

Featured image via USA Today Sports