Tony Pollard receiving 1st-team reps in Elliott’s absence
By Seth Steere
Dallas Cowboys fourth-round pick, RB Tony Pollard (Memphis), is receiving first-team reps while Ezekiel Elliott holds out for a new contract.
The Dallas Cowboys selected Tony Pollard in the fourth-round, pick No. 128 overall, in the 2019 NFL Draft because of his ability to work as both a runner and receiver. And while some analysts considered the pick odd — the Cowboys had few picks in the 2019 draft, so using on one on a running back appeared wasteful — it now seems like a stroke of genius.
Star running back Ezekiel Elliott is currently holding out in hopes of receiving a lucrative new contract. While Jerry Jones believes the Cowboys and Elliott’s camp will reach common ground, no one knows just how long it may take.
Elliott’s is working in Pollard’s favor. He’s receiving first-team reps.
According to NFL Network’s, Jane Slater, Pollard will continue to take first-team carries in Elliott’s absence. The Cowboys are excited about Pollard’s future.
“Don’t look at Pollard as a toy back. He has the ability to be an every-down player,” Slater said.
Coming out of college Pollard was forced to split reps with Darrell Henderson, the third-round pick of the Los Angeles Rams. Pollard was more of the pass-catching option for Memphis, but he was productive as a runner when given the chance. He averaged 7.1 yards per carry last season.
As Slater stated, Pollard has the traits to be a three-down back. In his collegiate career, he averaged 35 receptions a year; Zeke has averaged 45 catches per-year over his 3-year career. While college and the NFL may be two different animals, the ability to catch out of the backfield is there with Pollard.
Pollard wasn’t the only running back drafted by Dallas. Ohio State’s Mike Weber was taken in the seventh round. Weber, too, projects as a three-down back.
It’s Pollard, however, who looks to have the brightest future as Elliott’s fill-in.