Fantasy Football: Two running backs that are more than handcuffs

Currently being drafted as RB28 in the 7th round in half PPR leagues, Tony Pollard finished as RB28 in half PPR leagues in 2021. He is coming off a 2021 season where he had over 1,000 all-purpose yards as the Cowboys second running back. He had 130 carries for 719 yards and 2 touchdowns and 39 receptions for 337 yards in 15 games played.

The Cowboys starting running back, Ezekiel Elliott, finished 2021 with over 1,200 all-purpose yards, as well. He had 237 carries for 1,002 yards and 10 touchdowns and 47 receptions for 287 yards and two touchdowns in 17 games played.

Pollard averaged 5.5 yards per carry and 8.6 yards per reception. Elliott averaged 4.2 yards per carry and 6.1 yards per reception. Despite Pollard being more effective with his touches, Jerry Jones stated that Elliott “has gotta be (their) feature” in the run game in 2022. But Pollard will still be involved.

"“We gotta have Tony Pollard out there. No, seriously, Zeke’s gotta be our feature, and he is our feature… Now then, Pollard, there’s plenty of room for Pollard. There’s plenty of room for Pollard when Zeke’s in there. Pollard needs to get the ball.”"

Pollard was on the field for 35 percent of snaps when active in 2021. He might experience an uptick in his percentage of snaps in 2022, as the Cowboys have unveiled a plan to use him as a slot receiver in addition to running back in 2022.

There are targets up for grabs, as the Cowboys have lost wide receivers Amari Cooper (104 targets in 2021) and Cedrick Wilson Jr. (61 targets in 2021). Expect an uptick in receptions in 2022 for Pollard. Currently viewed as an RB3/flex, he could produce RB2 numbers, especially in PPR formats.