Will Tony Pollard be Cowboys’ top backup RB in 2019?

By Bryan Perez | May 13, 2019

BOCA RATON, FL - DECEMBER 20: Tony Pollard #1 of the Memphis Tigers in action during the first half of the game against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at FAU Stadium on December 20, 2016 in Boca Raton, Florida. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images) /

Former Memphis RB Tony Pollard has a chance to become the Cowboys’ primary backup running back, which means a big opportunity to make a lot of plays in the national spotlight next season.

The Dallas Cowboys selected Memphis running back Tony Pollard in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL draft and the assumption at the time was that Pollard’s unique skill set as a receiver-turned-running back will give the offense an all-around weapon who can contribute, potentially, with his own package of plays.

The Cowboys addressed running back again in the seventh round when they selected Ohio State’s Mike Weber, a more traditional between-the-tackles runner who profiles like a classic backup who’s equipped to spell Ezekiel Elliott whenever the franchise bellcow needs a breather.

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But things never go quite as planned in the NFL, and injuries are usually the main culprit.

Weber tweaked his knee during the team’s rookie minicamp over the weekend and is scheduled for an MRI to determine if any serious damage took place.

If Weber’s forced to miss any time, the odds of him beating out Pollard for second-team reps will become even greater than they already are. And if Pollard has that gig all to himself, he could become one of the more surprisingly productive rookies in 2019.

Elliott led the NFL in carries (304) last season by a pretty wide margin. He had 43 more than the second-most used running back in the league, Saquon Barkley.

If the Cowboys want Elliott to have a long and productive career that extends beyond his first contract, they need to lessen the load; even if just a little bit.

Pollard (6-0, 210) averaged 7.1 yards per carry in 2018 and finished the year rushing for 552 yards and six scores. He added 458 yards and three touchdowns as a receiver. He’s a special teams ace, too, with seven career kickoff returns for touchdowns (an FBS record).

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He isn’t a traditional running back, however, and was used best as the complementary piece to Darrell Henderson, the Rams’ third-round pick. But his knack for making plays and gaining chunks of yards on every touch will serve him well in his battle for RB2.

Don’t sleep on Pollard. His playmaking ability will put him in a great position to thrive in Dallas not just in 2019, but for seasons to come.