Cowboys' Tony Pollard Said He Was Tired, 'Done' After 30 Week 8 Plays, RB Coach Says

Fans and analysts puzzled by Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Pollard's limited usage might have more to do with his in-game stamina than Jerry Jones' obsession with Ezekiel Elliott.

Cowboys running backs coach Skip Peete told Clarence Hill Jr. of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram that Pollard said he was "done" after 30 plays in Sunday's win over the Chicago Bears.

"[Pollard] played a total of 30 plays, and I think that’s his max—as far as total play count— because then the juice doesn’t become the same and he’s not as quick, not as fast," Peete said of the 25-year-old.

With Elliott unavailable against the Bears due to an injury, Pollard was given his first real opportunity of the season to showcase his ability as the Cowboys' lead running back. He finished with 131 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 14 carries.

Per David Helman of Fox Sports, Pollard tied his career high with rushing attempts and rushing yards last week. It was also the fourth time in eight games this season he's averaged at least six yards per carry.

Pollard played more snaps in the previous game against the Detroit Lions (41), but he's only crossed the 30-snap threshold in three games all season.

The Athletic's Ted Nguyen noted 39.5 percent of Pollard's rushing attempts since the start of last season have come against eight-man boxes. This was in response to ESPN's Mina Kimes pointing out that Pollard ranks second among all running backs in yards per carry between the tackles since 2021 (5.47).

Elliott ranks 38th during that span. The three-time Pro Bowler is only averaging 4.1 yards per carry on 109 attempts this season. Even though the Cowboys have only targeted him eight times as a receiver, he is valuable as a blocker in pass protection.

Pollard has been better than Elliott in most counting stats this season. He has more rushing yards (506-443), rushing touchdowns (five to four), receptions (12-6) and receiving yards (121-32).

For all of Pollard's production, though, Jones remains steadfast that Elliott will remain the No. 1 option.

The Cowboys are on a bye this week before taking on the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on Nov. 13.