The Dallas Cowboys will be without starting running back Ezekiel Elliott for this week’s clash with the Bears. This is according to Jerry Jones courtesy of Clarence Hill Jr. on Twitter.
Jerry told reporters “It had everything to do with how we’re doing this weekend with this bye coming up,” Jones said. “I’m not so sure we would’ve done it this way had we not had the bye.”
Tony Pollard is the next man up and gets the lion’s share of the workload as the starting running back for the 5-2 Cowboys.
WILL POLLARD SUCCEED AS THE STARTING RUNNING BACK?
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This isn’t the first time the 4th-year pro has been thrust into the starting role. Back in 2020, he started in a week 15 contest and scored two touchdowns on 127 total yards.
The running back has averaged 11 touches per game this season but will likely see closer to 20 in this contest. The Cowboys are likely to call up running back Malik Davis from the practice squad, but I wouldn’t expect much involvement in his first regular-season action.
The Cowboys are better built to handle such a setback with the return of the mobile Dak Prescott. His ability to keep defenses honest will prevent the Bears from loading the box against the quick but less powerful Tony Pollard. The new starting running back will find open lanes against a light box early and often.
The Bears’ run defense is bottom-three in allowing rushing attempts, yards, and touchdowns. There could not be a more forgiving matchup for the Cowboys to suffer a setback at the running back spot.
The Cowboys’ offense will be just fine in this game. The only question coming out of the game is going to be about whether Tony Pollard has earned more than his 11-touch average to this point in the season.
Do you think Pollard will thrive as the starting running back this week? Leave a comment below and follow me on Twitter for more Cowboys and fantasy football content.
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