Cowboys Surprise: Rehabbing Tony Pollard Working With 1st Team at OTAs

In a major development, Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy tells us that Tony Pollard has been participating in OTA walk-thrus ...

FRISCO - The Dallas Cowboys parted ways with Ezekiel Elliott and placed the franchise tag on Tony Pollard this offseason. ... literally and figuratively handing the ball to running back who is coming off season-ending injury issues.

That has some observers, including none other than Dallas icon Emmitt Smith, worried. But on Thursday here inside The Star at OTAs, a revelation on Pollard ...

In a major development, Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy told us that Pollard has been participating in OTA walk-thrus ... a fine progress report after the pair of lower-leg injuries he sustained in the playoff loss at the Niners.

How key is this? One NFL executive thinks Pollard is more crucial to the Dallas offense than any other player.

"Pollard makes the offense go; we saw that in the playoffs," the unnamed executive told Mike Sando of the Athletic.

Pollard had an excellent year for the Cowboys as he hit career-highs in rushing yards (1007), touchdowns (9), and yards per game (62.9) which culminated in the first Pro Bowl nod of his career.

With Elliott, not the once dominant back of previous seasons as he had career lows in rushing yards (876), rushing attempts (231), yards per attempt (3.8), and yards per game (58.9). It was clear that a changing of the guard was taking place.

Now, with the dynamic changing as Pollard is the lead back for Mike McCarthy's offense after signing his franchise tag and Elliott no longer in Frisco, fans will see if he can carry the offensive load.

There is no set timetable for Pollard to return to full-time work. And we understand how that leads to some trepidation comes from those who think Pollard might not be as explosive as he comes off the injuries.

Against the San Francisco 49ers, Cowboy Nation saw how the offense looked without Pollard in the lineup, so yes ... He is coming off his nasty ankle injury and fibula break … but he’s progressing well and lining up with Dak Prescott and the first-team offense here inside Ford Center at The Star.

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