FRISCO, Texas — Cowboys’ featured back Ezekiel Elliott was listed as questionable on Friday’s injury report ahead of Sunday’s matchup against the undefeated Steelers.
Elliott was limited in practice throughout the week dealing with a hamstring injury suffered in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s loss to the Eagles.
Mike McCarthy confirmed that Elliott was feeling better on Friday but the staff is taking precautions and monitoring the pro bowl running back “all the way to the pregame workout. “ McCarthy noted his workload on Saturday would be a telling factor.
Owner/general manager Jerry Jones discussed his confidence on 105.3 The Fan that Elliott will be able to play on Sunday. If No.21 is limited in Sunday’s game, second-year back Tony Pollard will have an increased role on the ground.
Pollard had seven carries for a season-high 40 yards against the Eagles. Pollard displayed decisiveness and patience on runs that led to the team’s highest rushing total since week one with 133 rushing yards. Right guard Zack Martin’s return made a big difference up front in run blocking that produced open seams for Elliott and Pollard. Martin stays on defenders longer to allow the rushers to find a hole and capitalize, breaking to the second level.
It has been an up-and-down year for Zeke. Aside from the fumbles that have led to early team deficits and a reliance on the passing game, he is on track for the lowest carries of his career besides the 2017 season cut short due to a six-game suspension. Not all the blame can be placed on Elliott with an offensive line that has been a revolving door since the season began. In addition, he has placed added weight upon himself to carry the offense as the player under center constantly changes.
Dallas escaped the Eagles game with no additional injuries within the O-Line and will be able to enter Sunday’s game with the same consistent group of five guys at the line of scrimmage. The team needs the talent of both Elliott and Pollard to establish the run with the club’s fourth quarterback this season. But as opponent’s game plan to shut down Zeke and force the Cowboys’ to become one-dimensional in pass-heavy drives, Pollard has shown the capability of moving the chains and bolstering the running game. Elliott remains the Cowboys’ every-down back, but Pollard brings something new to the table with his agility and effective cuts in space.
When asked about Pollard’s greatest area of growth, offensive coordinator Kellen Moore told reporters, “ His decisiveness. “
“ I think the more touches, the more opportunities he gets just a better feel he gets for it and I think there were a few opportunities in that game you saw Tony as soon as he sees it, he gets it. I think that decisiveness is really what you’re looking for.”
Pollard has also drawn the eyes and impressed coach McCarthy, who echoed, “ Tony Pollard is as ready for as much or any role we put him in. Tony is ready.”
