Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones gave Ezekiel Elliott, running back, a vote to confidence at the expense of Tony Pollard.
Elliott’s fourth 1,000-yard rush season was last season. His future with the Cowboys is in jeopardy due to Elliott’s expensive contract, injuries, and decreasing production.
Many expected Pollard to replace Elliott as the starting pitcher this season, or at least force a more consistent running back from committee.
Jones appears to have rejected that idea:
At a time when many wondered whether there will be more Tony Pollard and less Ezekiel Elliott in the Cowboys running game for 2022, Jerry Jones says otherwise. https://t.co/dlQ6qq7mtV
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) July 31, 2022
Pollard was able to spell Elliott for long stretches last year and did well when he was on the field. Pollard ended the season with career highs with 719 rushing yards and 337 receiving yards. He also scored three touchdowns.
Jones has put a lot of money and time into Elliott. He was drafted fourth in the 2016 NFL Draft. In 2019, he was signed to a six-year contract extension worth $90 million. Elliott is the league’s leader in rushing yards two times. He is also a three-time Pro Bowler, and a two-time All-Pro.
Although Elliott may be in decline, Jones appears to be devoted to him. Jones seems to be supportive of Elliott’s idea of running the bell-cow back.
Jones would like Elliott to receive the majority of the carries but he also wants Pollard to be used more creatively.
According to reports, the Cowboys are trying Pollard out as a wide receiver. He could be used in a similar way to Cordarelle Patterson, Atlanta Falcons runningback, or Deebo Samuel, San Francisco 49ers wide receiver.
Jones’ comments, barring an injury, are disappointing news for fantasy football players who had hoped for a breakout season with Pollard.