DALLAS (105.3 The Fan) - The Cowboys will likely be without their star running back, Ezekiel Elliott for this Sunday's matchup against the Chicago Bears, Dallas owner Jerry Jones told 105.3 the Fan on Friday.
Elliott first injured his knee in the Cowboys 24-6 win over the Detroit Lions this past Sunday, forcing him to be limited for the remainder of the game.
“It had everything to do with how we’re doing this this weekend with this bye coming up," Jones told K&C Masterpiece. "I’m not so sure we would’ve done it this way had we not had the bye. This just gives too good of an opportunity if we don’t use Zeke, and we’ll see how he is responding as the week goes along, but if we don’t use him, it’s just too great of a time to get him in top shape.”
Elliott has put together three consecutive productive games in recent weeks, rushing 50 times for 216 yards and three touchdowns.
Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy seemed to provide hope for Elliott to play during his Friday press conference, noting his improvement and progress this week.
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“The only chance he would have to play is if he keeps going on the right (path) that he actually has been going," McCarthy said. "I mean he’s doing a lot better than we anticipated. But if he practices tomorrow, then he’d have a chance of playing.”
Jones has now apparently put that notion into question, however.
In place of Elliott, No. 2 running back Tony Pollard will likely take the full load at the position.
And Jones is confident in his ability to do just that.
"I don't know that I've ever seen him get tired," Jones said. "He has durability."
So far this season, Pollard has rushed 67 times for 375 yards and two touchdowns.
The Cowboys and Bears kick off at Noon from AT&T Stadium on Sunday.