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Cowboys running back Tony Pollard completes surgery ahead of free agency

Nikki Chavanelleby:Nikki Chavanelle•01/24/23•

NikkiChavanelle

Tony Pollard Cowboys
George Walker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The 2022 season ended on an especially bitter note for Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Pollard. He exited Sunday night’s divisional-round loss versus the 49ers in the first half after suffering a fracture to his left fibula and a high ankle sprain. Although his leg fracture will heal with time, Pollard underwent surgery on Tuesday for his ankle, according to multiple reports.

After completing the “tightrope” surgery, the Cowboys’ leading running back can turn his focus to rehab ahead of free agency. His timeline for recovery puts him back on the field in time for training camp, however, which field he’ll be on is still in question.

The fourth-year back out of Memphis becomes an unrestricted free agent in March and with former first-rounder Ezekiel Elliott to consider, it’s not a done deal that he’ll return to Dallas.

ESPN reporter Ed Werder shared on Tuesday, however, that he believes the Cowboys would franchise tag Pollard if they don’t work out a deal. The franchise tag value for running backs in 2023 is $10.1 million.

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Pollard is one of several key players entering free agency this offseason. Linebacker Leighton Vander Esch, tight end Dalton Schultz and defensive back Anthony Brown are also among 20 unrestricted free agents.

Prior to his exit from Sunday night’s game, Pollard had six carries for 22 yards. On the year, he had a total of 1,007 rushing yards in the regular season, plus 99 more in the postseason. Pollard had 12 total scores, nine rushing, on top of 394 receiving yards on 44 catches.

Although he earned a spot in the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career this season, he won’t be able to participate due to his injuries. Dalvin Cook from the Minnesota Vikings will head to Vegas in his place.