OXNARD, Calif. – Tony Pollard is the Dallas Cowboys’ lead running back.
After playing behind Ezekiel Elliott for four seasons, Pollard is taking first-team reps at training camp.
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“It’s definitely different, you know, not having him (Zeke) out here with all the energy that he brings,” Pollard said. “But, you know, it kind of reminds me of my rookie year, you know, the holdout that he had, and I was pretty much here the whole camp, so trying to use to it.”
Elliott held out of training camp over his contract during Pollard’s rookie season in 2019, allowing the then-newcomer some valuable experience.
The biggest question mark regarding Pollard is his health. Last season he suffered a high ankle sprain and fractured fibula in the Cowboys’ January playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
Two days later, he had surgery.
“Right now, I’m feeling pretty good,” Pollard said. “You know, feeling pretty healthy, just being smart with the trainers, not trying to push it too much, but just trying to ease back into things and just go from there.”
Pollard said he has no limitations after the injury, but for now, he’s just easing into camp. His mindset has not changed now that he’s the top running back.
“Honestly, it’s the same for me,” he said. “You know, I’ve always been pretty serious about my preparation coming into camp, getting my body in shape, and just trying to come out here and make sure I’m ready to go. So, it’s pretty much the same for me.”
After topping 1,000 yards for the first time in his career in 2022, the Cowboys hit Pollard with the franchise tag that will pay him a little more than $10 million this season.