Tony Pollard ready for more touches after Dallas Cowboys tell him he will have larger role
The Dallas Cowboys are going to make Tony Pollard a primary weapon in the offense in 2022.
Stop if you have heard this offseason narrative before, only for the season to start and Ezekiel Elliott to continue to get the bulk of the load at running back and Pollard to be used in small doses.
Pollard has, too.
But he believes the Cowboys mean it this time.
And you should, too.
The coaching staff explicitly told him after the season that they planned to give him a larger role in the offense in 2022. This offseason, they have incorporated him in the schemes.
On the first day of OTAs open to the media, the Cowboys began drills with Pollard and Elliott in the backfield together.
It’s been a common theme in practice. Pollard has also lined up as a slot receiver.
And it’s not just a gimmick — Pollard goes through receiver drills as well as running back drills in practice.
For the Cowboys, it’s not about diminishing Elliott — though the numbers and production of the former two-time rushing champion have declined over the last three years. It’s about recognizing the value they have in Pollard and finding a way to maximize his skills.
He is the more explosive player as a runner and a receiver.
Pollard says the Cowboys are a better offense when he is on the field.
Pollard set career highs in rushing yards (719), catches (39) and receiving yards (337) in 2021. He also averaged 5.5 yards per carry, fifth-best in the league and second-best among running backs.
And with Amari Cooper traded to the Cleveland Browns and receiver Michael Gallup sidelined for the first couple of games of the 2022 with a torn ACL, the Cowboys need to take advantage of what they have in Pollard.
So he is working at two spots in practice while hearkening back to his college days at Memphis, where he began his career at receiver before moving to running back.
“It’s definitely coming back to me now,” Pollard said. “I’m more comfortable.”
Coach Mike McCarthy said opposing defenses have to respect Pollard on the perimeter and they are using the offseason to come up with ways to use him more effectively.
Pollard is excited for the opportunity.
He wants more touches. He doesn’t care if it comes at running back, receiver or on returns, which he also excels at as evidenced by the 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown against the Las Vegas Raiders on Thanksgiving Day last season.
“I’m open to anything just being on the field, being able to make the most of my opportunities,” Pollard said. “If I have to line up in the slot a little more, whatever it takes, I’m ready to do it.”
The speedy Pollard also believes it will be easier to make big plays on the outside because of the wide open spaces.
“You have to make a guy or two miss and I’m off to the races,” he said.
Primed for a bigger role and breakout season, it’s also not lost on Pollard that it could result in a big pay day in 2023.
He is in the final year of his rookie contract.
But that is not his primary focus
“I just need to keep doing what I have been doing,” Pollard said.
If he does that, the touches are coming, and so is the money.
This story was originally published June 13, 2022 at 6:00 AM.
