Running back Tony Pollard has been battling a torn plantar fascia since the Dallas Cowboys defeated the New Orleans Saints in Week 13. Pollard suffered the injury on his electric 58-yard touchdown run, and it forced him to miss the Cowboys’ 27-20 victory last week against the Washington Football Team.
Pollard was a limited participant in practice all week and his status had been listed as questionable for the last few days. However, the backup to Ezekiel Eliott did enough to be active against the New York Giants, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Cowboys’ running back Tony Pollard, listed as questionable for Sunday due to a foot injury, is expected to play vs. the Giants but Dallas could have a slightly more cautious approach with him due to the injury, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 19, 2021
The Cowboys elevated JaQuan Hardy from the practice squad as insurance just in case Pollard couldn’t play or had a setback during pre-game warmups. Pollard has gained 602 yards on 107 carries this season, good for 5.6 yards per rush. Also, he leads all Cowboys runners with 259 receiving yards.
Pollard is expected to get a few dozen snaps and Cory Clement, who had 13 carries for 44 yards last week, is also expected to play. If Pollard is anywhere near what he’s been all season on Sunday, the Cowboys will have their speedy change of pace runner to complement the physical style of Elliott.
IMO, they don’t need to rush TP back, as they should be able to beat Giants without him. Why risk a re-injury? Get him ready for the Cards, where they WILL need him.
IMO they need to make sure they take this game seriously do it doesn’t become a trap game. They could clinch the division the next two weeks and the Arizona game won’t matter. They could be getting reset for the playoffs by then.
I agree Vam. Wouldn’t even consider playing him today. Clement showed some burst, it would be wise to play all backup running backs as much as possible right now. I would also really limit Zekes snaps. More max protect 2 and 3 man routes in the passing game. Play it tight if necessary and win with your defense.
Do I think that is what Dallas will do? No.