Cowboys’ Jerry Jones believes Tony Pollard can fill void left by Ezekiel Elliott

Throughout much of the offseason, the Dallas Cowboys have been engulfed in the contract holdout from star running back Ezekiel Elliott.

This has put into doubt that he will be on the field when the start of the regular season comes in less than a month. It shifts the attention over the rest of the roster at the position to which owner Jerry Jones has voiced plenty of confidence in rookie Tony Pollard stepping in to fill the massive void at the position, according to David Helman of Dallascowboys.com.

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“I certainly thought he had a good account of himself,” Jones said, via David Helman of the team’s website. “He looks confident out there, we know he’s inordinately understanding of what he does and can do. We’ve seen him do it, we know he’s capable of, if he really needs to, carrying the whole load.”

It hasn’t just been Jones who has voiced praise towards Pollard as quarterback Dak Prescott has also been impressed by his new teammate.

Read: Browns Coach Freddie Kitchens Praises Baker Mayfield’s Mobility

Pollard didn’t have a standout performance by any means against the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday night with 16 yards on four carries, but it’s clear the opportunity to play in an extended role will be there. The Cowboys will likely look to lean on him while the return of Alfred Morris will see him factor into the equation if Elliott is still holding out.

There is still much that could change in the coming weeks, but it’s clear that Dallas is confident that Pollard can step up to the challenge.