Tony Pollard ready to 'pound the ball' for Cowboys in January

Despite Tony Pollard‘s relatively quiet season, the former Memphis star reached the 1,000-yard rushing mark on Sunday against the Washington Commanders for the second year in a row. Taking over the RB1 spot after Ezekiel Elliott‘s departure in the offseason, Pollard was eager to deliver for Dallas. He finished 12th amongst the league’s starting running backs in rushing yards this season.

“It’s a big milestone for us, for myself and for the O-line,” Pollard said after reaching 1,000 yards. “I know they pride themselves in having a 1,000-yard back every year, so that was big for us, and to get that momentum going.”

This year, Pollard only had one game with more than 100 yards rushing and he posted just six touchdowns – down from 12 scores last season. He was, however, coming off of a major injury. In the Cowboys’ loss to the 49ers in the playoffs, he suffered a high-ankle sprain that required surgery and fractured his fibula, as well.

The team put the franchise tag on him after last season, which he promptly signed for $10.09 million. Now, Pollard enters the playoffs with another potential free-agent situation looming on the other side of the Super Bowl.

Dowdle returns for Dallas ahead of Round 1

Luckily for Dallas, backup running back Rico Dowdle made his return on Sunday after dealing with an ankle injury. He had nine carries for 46 yards and three catches for 56 yards in the win over the Commanders. His contribution in the postseason could make a major difference. Dowdle has 89 carries for 361 yards this year. He’s also added 17 receptions for 144 yards.

Pollard insisted to reporters after the win over the Commanders that the Cowboys run game is gaining momentum at the perfect time.

“In this league, it’s something you have to do in the playoffs,” Pollard said. “When it’s December football and it’s cold, and in January, you’ve gotta be able to pound the ball and be able to throw the ball [as well]. 

“Being able to show it [today] was big.”

The Cowboys welcome the Green Bay Packers to AT&T Stadium on Sunday for a 4:30 p.m. ET kickoff. The Packers own the league’s 28th-ranked run defense, allowing 128 yards per game on the ground.