Tony Pollard reveals what Ezekiel Elliott told him ahead of Cowboys training camp
The Dallas Cowboys started training camp practices on Wednesday for the first time in seven years without Ezekiel Elliott. Dallas released Elliott in March to save cap space after backup Tony Pollard surpassed him in yardage during the 2022 season.
Even though the Cowboys cut him – a former first-rounder and a face of the franchise – and even though he hasn’t landed with a new team, Elliott still reached out to Pollard ahead of training camp.
On Wednesday, the new starting running back shared what the former Buckeyes star texted him.
“Just telling all the running backs he knows we’ll handle business, take care of everything and just good luck,” Pollard said. “It means a lot with his situation, not being anywhere, but him still checking on us and making sure we’re all right.”
Elliott has continued to work out in the hopes of signing with a new team for the 2023 season. Running backs have had an exceptionally hard time getting big contracts done this year, and it clearly hasn’t been easy for the former two-time league rushing leader.
“I know it’s frustrating for him [not being in a camp], especially with the way things are going now, but I know he’s a tough guy mentally and physically,” Pollard said, “so I’m pretty sure he’ll find a way to battle through it.”
With training camps across the country now underway, the chances of Elliott finding a new team actually increase. One bad step could open up a roster spot at any time.
Pollard ‘pretty much’ back following leg injuries
Tony Pollard said he’s “pretty much” back after suffering a high-ankle sprain that required surgery, as well as a broken fibula, at the end of the 2022 season.
“I’m feeling pretty good right now, pretty much at 100 percent,” Pollard said, via Jon Machota. “At this point, it’s just on me and the trainers, communicating, being smart, not rushing anything, not getting out there and going full speed too early. Just easing back into it.”
Pollard finished 2022 as the team’s leading rusher with 1,007 yards and nine touchdowns. He made the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career as well, though he wasn’t able to participate due to his injury.
With Ezekiel Elliott being released this offseason, more touches are coming Pollard’s way. The Cowboys failed to reach an agreement on a long-term contract but kept him on the roster by using the franchise tag. He is now going to receive $10.1 million, fully guaranteed, for the 2023 season.