Happy Sunday, Cowboys Nation.
One of the most important players in 2023 for the Dallas Cowboys has spoken for himself.
Tony Pollard, the starting running back for the Cowboys, said he would be ready for training camp when the team reports in July.
In January, Pollard was injured in Cowboys playoff loss against the San Francisco 49ers.
He had a TightRope procedure just a few days after the season ended to help fully heal his tibia and fibula.
Pollard is still not 100%. He is taking it easy and only going through things at around half speed.
Pollard spoke on Thursday this week. He did say he didn't think he was limited, but the Cowboys aren't taking any chances.
“It's just being smart with it, just trying to work my way back in slowly and make sure I'm in tip-top shape when I get out there so it's not a fall off,” Pollard said.
This is great news for a Cowboys offense that had many holes this time last year, it feels like a complete 180.
They needed help at wide receiver. They trade for Brandin Cooks; the dude is a walking 1,000-yard receiver.
They added depth to the offensive line and signed Ronald Jones after cutting Ezekiel Elliott.
They needed another lockdown guy behind Trevon Diggs; they trade for Stephon Gilmore.
For the first time in a LONG time, Jerry Jones might finally understand that he doesn't have much time left to try and win another title.
Mind over matter, though, for Pollard.
As we saw in Michael Gallup, it will take a few weeks to gain the trust in himself.
Gain trust with cutting on that leg, spinning on that leg, planting on that leg. We have to be a bit patient, but if he gains it sooner rather than later. Watch out!
Pollard signed the franchise tag this off-season. Therefore, the Cowboys would likely sign him to another deal if he has a solid year coming off this injury.
I get it; let's avoid falling into the same situation they did with Zeke. I don't see them paying that type of money, though.
Pollard finished 2022 with 1,378 yards from scrimmage and 12 touchdowns.
He now says he feels faster; is another solid year on the way?
“Honestly, I feel faster,” Pollard said. “I feel like I've got a lot of juice in me,” Pollard said this week.
“I'm never just satisfied to where I feel like I did enough,” he said. “I feel like every year I can get better. I can improve in different areas in my game and just over time see where it takes me.”
I can't wait to see it. One problem the Cowboys may have next season is pass blocking.
With Zeke gone Rojo, Ronald Jones is the “biggest” running back they now have on the roster.
The summer months are ramping up, and the mandatory minicamp starts on Tuesday, June 6th.
OTA's left us with pretty much nothing but positive news.
Plenty more news and highlights will drop with minicamp on the horizon this coming week.
Let's hope this team can make it through the next few months with everyone at 100%.
