The Cowboys have a strong running back position with Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard. Owner Jerry Jones is now highlighting one of the two. An indication of the season or is there more to it?

Munich – While it is unclear for the Dallas Cowboys with which running back the team will start the season, franchise owner Jerry Jones has clearly spoken out in favour of Ezekiel Elliott.

In addition to Elliott, however, the Cowboys’ roster also includes the up-and-coming Tony Pollard. Many experts and fans have recently speculated whether he could even come out on top in a duel with Elliott.

Place for Elliot and Pollard?

Now, however, the announcement from the very top. “Our focus has to be on Elliott. He’s got to be the focal point of our running game, but there’s also going to be room for Pollard even if “Zeke” plays,” Jones said on “NFL Network. “

Interesting comments from Cowboys owner Jerry Jones on @nflnetwork, saying that Zeke Elliott “has to be the focus” in the run game. “He has to be the focal point” based on his work in the run game and pass game. “There is room for (Tony) Pollard while Zeke is in there. “

– Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 30, 2022

“NBC” believes the 25-year-old could also become a regular wide receiver next season and be a kickoff man for quarterback Dak Prescott. This despite the fact that Pollard was considered by most to be a better option in the running game this past season.

Pollard wants to get noticed

However, Elliott has also been dealing with a knee injury. But why is Jones so openly and clearly committed to Elliott – does he actually see the 27-year-old ahead of Pollard in sporting terms or are there business considerations behind it?

Pollard is now entering the final year of his rookie contract. The better he performs in 2022, the more interest he will generate on the market. If the Cowboys want to keep him, they too would have to come up with a decent contract. So Jones may want to keep Pollard on the reins a bit with the Elliot statement.

Elliott’s burden: The big contract

In addition, Elliott will earn $12.4 million this year through guaranteed money in his contract. This also puts the Cowboys themselves under some pressure to play their big earner.

Should Elliott play, the top running back – at the latest after the Jones statements – is under pressure and must deliver. Because the next guy in line is already dragging his feet and wants to play himself into the shop window and for a big contract.

However, Jones is also under pressure, having given “Zeke” an overly expensive contract and must now hope that Elliot does indeed become the focal point of the Cowboys running game.