Dallas Cowboys Pro Bowl running back Tony Pollard sustained a fractured left fibula on Sunday, requiring surgery, according to sources familiar with the situation.
The injury occurred late in the first half of the Cowboys’ 19-12 divisional round loss to the San Francisco 49ers, when Pollard was caught awkwardly after an 8-yard reception.
He needed assistance to the sideline and was subsequently carted to the X-ray room at Levi’s Stadium, wearing an Aircast on his left leg. Pollard was immediately ruled out for the remainder of the game.
“That hurt,” remarked Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott. “He’s a guy who brings so much to our offense, to our team. His energy on the sideline, in the huddle, the way he motivates guys.
He’s a special teammate, a special player, and obviously, losing him hurt us. We weren’t able to generate as many big plays as we planned, and I’m sure he would’ve been a big part of those if he hadn’t gotten hurt.”
With Pollard sidelined, the Cowboys turned primarily to Ezekiel Elliott and rookie Malik Davis.
Tony Pollard (Photo: NFL)
Elliott had struggled to average 4 yards per carry over the previous five games and finished the season with a career-low 3.8 yards per carry, often playing with a knee brace due to a sprained medial collateral ligament.
Davis, who had 161 yards and a touchdown on 38 regular-season carries, did not record a carry during Sunday’s game.
Pollard’s injury came at a critical juncture for both the Cowboys and his personal career trajectory.
Set to become an unrestricted free agent in March, Pollard enjoyed the best season of his career in 2023, amassing 1,007 yards on 193 carries and scoring 12 touchdowns in 16 regular-season games. His standout performance earned him his first Pro Bowl selection.
The Cowboys had counted on Pollard’s explosive speed against a formidable San Francisco run defense that ranked second in the league, allowing just 77.2 yards per game.
Before his injury, Pollard had carried the ball six times for 22 yards and caught two passes for 11 yards during the game.
