Cowboys RB Tony Pollard says he feels 'faster' than ever after recovering from fracture

Dallas Cowboys’ fans got some remarkably good news this week, when their superstar tailback, Tony Pollard, gave them a positive update regarding his recovery from his fractured fibula. He’s expected to see a much bigger workload this season, now that Ezekiel Elliott is no longer on the roster. Pollard touched the rock a career-high 258 times last year, including 26 in the postseason. This offseason, the electrifying tailback said his recovery process has gone quite smoothly.

He fractured his left fibula in the Cowboys’ divisional round playoff loss to the 49ers. He’s spent the whole offseason working his way back from the injury.

“Right now, I’m feeling really good about where I am — a little bit ahead of schedule,” Pollard said on Thursday, via Patrik Walker of the team website. “Being able to get out there for the walkthrough parts and to be out there with the team, get out there and get my feet wet. I’m not really limited at this point. It’s just [about] being smart with it. Just trying to work my way back in slowly and make sure I’m in tip-top shape so there’s not a fall-off.”

Pollard recently participated with the first team in the Cowboys’ organized team activities. He feels like he’s even faster than before.

“Honestly, I feel faster,” Pollard said. “I feel like I’ve got a lot of juice in me.”

The 26-year-old tailback expects to be fully cleared before the start of training camp and in the lineup when the Cowboys open their 2023 season.

“I’ll be ready,” he said.

Pollard has established himself as one of the best all-purpose running backs in the National Football League

Pollard established himself as one of the premiere tailbacks in the National Football League last season, after rushing for over 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground. As a receiver, he hauled in 371 receiving yards and three touchdowns. He’s one of the best all-purpose tailbacks in the league and has hauled in over 300 receiving yards in back-to-back seasons.

His efficiency numbers put him in elite territory among NFL running backs. Last season, Pollard ranked second in yards per carry, second in yards per reception, third in breakaway runs (15-plus yards), and sixth in total touchdowns.

He signed a franchise tag that fully guarantees him $10.091 million this year. Both sides have until July 17th to work out a long-term contract. Otherwise, Dallas will have to wait until after the season to negotiate with Pollard’s camp.