Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Pollard (20) runs for a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bears at AT&T Stadium. Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Tony Pollard makes big statement that he should be Cowboys' top running back

By Adam Gretz | Last updated 10/30/22

The Dallas Cowboys did not have running back Ezekiel Elliott on Sunday, and they did not miss him in a 49-29 win over the Chicago Bears.

Not even a little.

Not only did they not miss him, backup running back Tony Pollard made a pretty definitive statement that he should be the team's top running back and the offense will not miss a beat with him in the primary role.

Pollard carried the ball 14 times for 131 yards (that is over nine yards per carry) and scored three touchdowns in the win. He also had one catch for 16 yards.

The Cowboy's running back spot has been a hot talking point in recent years given the investment they have made in Elliott, and the way Pollard has objectively outproduced him over the past four years since joining the team. In the two games Pollard has had to start he has been outstanding.

Tony Pollard in two career starts with Zeke out:

279 total yards
5 touchdowns
— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) October 30, 2022

Pollard is a free agent after this season and the Cowboys would be wise to figure out a way to keep their most explosive back.

Since Pollard joined the NFL he has averaged a full yard more per carry (5.2 versus 4.2) than Elliott and a yard-and-a-half more per catch (eight yards versus 6.4 yards).

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