Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott. Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Cowboys HC Mike McCarthy, owner Jerry Jones speak on Ezekiel Elliott's Week 8 availability

Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy talked Friday about star running back Ezekiel Elliott's chances of suiting up in Week 8 against the Chicago Bears. 

Elliott has been battling a knee injury and is uncertain to take the field for the NFC clash.

Owner Jerry Jones also discussed the three-time Pro Bowler but seemed to strike a slightly more pessimistic tone as far as his availability vs. Chicago.

If "Zeke" were to miss Sunday's contest, the bulk of the carries would likely go to Tony Pollard, who has already been splitting time with Elliott in the backfield this year. Elliott has been given 115 touches this season while Pollard has had 78 touches.

With four rushing touchdowns compared to Pollard's two, Elliott has had more opportunities for carries in the red zone, but many have opined that the 25-year-old Memphis product is the more explosive runner. 

Pollard has totaled 375 rushing yards on 67 carries (5.6 yards per carry) and grabbed 11 receptions for 105 yards this season, while Elliott has churned out 443 rushing yards on 109 attempts (4.1 yards per carry) and added only six receptions for 32 yards in 2022.

The Cowboys will host the Bears at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday.

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