Jerry Jones: Ezekiel Elliott will return vs. Packers

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

Jerry Jones: Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott will be 'back against the Packers'

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 11/4/22

Fans and media have called for Tony Pollard to take over for Ezekiel Elliott as lead Cowboys running back, but Dallas owner Jerry Jones is in Zeke's corner.

"Yes, I expect Zeke back against the Packers," Jones said Friday on KRLD-FM in Dallas. Dallas (6-2), on a bye this week, plays at Green Bay on Nov. 13.

After Elliott hyperextended his right knee against the Lions, he sat out against the Bears. Pollard had an excellent game, rushing for 131 yards and three touchdowns in a 49-29 victory.

TONY POLLARD SCORES HIS THIRD TD ⚡️

(via @dallascowboys)pic.twitter.com/NKf3RT1ZGD
— ESPN (@espn) October 30, 2022

Pollard's 131 rushing yards were the highest total for a Cowboys running back this season. Elliott hasn't crossed the 100-yard mark through seven starts.

Perhaps Pollard's breakout performance is why Elliott might try to play through pain.

"Pollard is special and criminally underutilized," Cowboys fanboy Skip Bayless said Thursday on FS1's Undisputed. "Zeke's best days are behind him, and if he stays on the path he's going, he won't be in the league next year."

Should the Cowboys start Tony Pollard at RB over Ezekiel Elliott?

"Pollard is special and criminally underutilized. Zeke’s best days are behind him and if he stays on the path he's going, he won't be in the league next year." — @RealSkipBayless pic.twitter.com/c0a33ItnDK
— UNDISPUTED (@undisputed) November 3, 2022

The criticism directed toward Elliott is too harsh. Pollard deserves more carries. He leads the team in rushing yards on 28 fewer touches. However, Elliott is still a valuable part of the offense.

He's a three-time Pro Bowler and a former rushing champion. He's been solid this season, scoring four rushing touchdowns.