'I'm Faster!' Cowboys OTAs: Tony Pollard Makes Bold Claim During Injury Rehab

“I’m a little bit ahead of schedule,'' says Cowboys standout Tony Pollard, noting that he has been running and cutting at full speed. "I’m not really limited at this point, it’s just being smart with it.”

FRISCO - Dallas Cowboys standout running back Tony Pollard spent most of the OTA workout here at The Star on Thursday watching from the Ford Center sideline after an outdoor rehab session with trainer Britt Brown. That marks a slight shuffle back from what Pollard did a week ago, when he participated in the walkthrough.

But the news delivered by the Pro Bowler, who suffered a broken leg/high-ankle sprain during his team's Divisional Round loss to the San Francisco 49ers in January, is a few notches above "positive.''

“I’m a little bit ahead of schedule,'' said Pollard, noting that he has been running and cutting at full speed. "I’m not really limited at this point, it’s just being smart with it.”

And the big payoff: "Honestly, I feel faster!'' he said. "I feel like I've got a lot of juice in me."

Thursday marked the first time Pollard has spoken to reporters since the season-ending injury, an unfortunate turn that left the Cowboys having to work through the tough decision as to whether to retain him as he entered free agency. But with assurances from the medical team, Dallas' front office tagged Pollard, meaning he'll make $10 million this year (pending any future negotiations that can create a new deal before mid-July).

And indeed, Pollard said he is "ahead of schedule" when it comes to his recovery process and said he expects to be fully cleared for the start of training camp.

The Cowboys' faith in the rehab and in the player was a contributing factor in the decision to cut Ezekiel Elliott. In his first Pro Bowl effort, Pollard, the electric former fourth-round pick from Memphis recorded 1,007 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground, and 371 yards and three touchdowns through the air.

Will the Cowboys' offense be better with more Tony Pollard involvement? Possibly. Will he really be "faster'' after going through rehab? That would be a sight for Cowboys Nation to see in Oxnard and in Week 1 against the New York Giants on Sept. 10.

"I'll be ready," Pollard said with a grin.

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