Dallas Cowboys: 3 Standouts from Preseason Week 2 vs. Rams

1. Tony Pollard

With the continued Ezekiel Elliott holdout carrying into the second week of the preseason, rookie running back Tony Pollard continues to take the starting reps in practice and the exhibition games. The reviews on what he has been doing have been all positive and his performance on Saturday will only make the hype around him gain momentum.

He was a workhorse on the opening drive and got the ball rolling for them with a 15-yard run on a second-and-22. Following a sack of Dak Prescott, Pollard made the third-down manageable and they converted as Michael Gallup brought in a 31-yard pass from Prescott.

The rookie continued to make plays as he gained nine yards on a reception and nine yards on a run on the following two plays. Pollard then finished the drive by taking it 14 yards to the house — the first touchdown of the preseason for Dallas.

Pollard was again done after just one series but finished with 42 yards on five rushing attempts plus the one catch for nine yards. It’s become obvious that he’s incredibly comfortable in the Cowboys offense and has benefited from Zeke’s absence during the star running back’s holdout.

With is seeming more likely every day that Elliott’s absence could carry over to the regular season, Pollard’s play has to give the team at least some comfort. He won’t be able to replace No. 21, but his ability to move the chains could keep the offense from imploding.