Tony Pollard expected at Dallas Cowboys training camp

As if the playoff loss to San Francisco didn’t sting enough, the Cowboys also had to see Tony Pollard go down with an injury. The breakout running back suffered a leg injury and had Dallas advanced to the NFC Championship game, it would have been without Pollard. Since then, the goal has been getting him back healthy in time for the 2023 season.

According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, everything is going to plan. He says Pollard is expected to be ready for training camp. Pollard did make an appearance during minicamp but was not a full participant due to his rehab. But Dallas is seeing the schedule play out exactly as they want to.

“He’s coming back from a serious injury to end last season,” Rapoport said. “He’s doing extremely well in rehab. He did sign the tag so he was in minicamp. He is expected to be in training camp on time and play for the Cowboys this year. Just a matter of does he get the long-term extension that he wants.”

It’s a new era in the running back room for Dallas. Former first-round pick Ezekiel Elliott is now off the roster and still a free agent. After being the lead back for years, Elliott fell behind Pollard and was more effective in short-yardage situations.

Once Pollard became the main man for the Cowboys, the offense really began to flourish. He rushed for over 1,000 yards for the first time in his career, going seven over on 193 carries. Add nine touchdowns and Dallas had to be happy with the production on the ground.

Having 39 receptions for 371 yards and three touchdowns is certainly a positive too.

As Rapoport mentioned, Pollard is going to play the 2023 season on the franchise tag. Dallas has not given out a long-term extension quite yet, maybe learning from their previous mistake with Elliott. Letting Pollard get another season under him as the No. 1 will provide an opportunity in the future to secure a big payday.

But until then, it’s about getting healthy for Pollard. Training camp was always the goal and things are right on track. Sept. 10 against the New York Giants is the season opener for Dallas, playing on Sunday Night Football.

Pollard is going to be out there with his team, hoping to start the season out with a big NFC East win.