Mike McCarthy says Ezekiel Elliott is 'getting better,' does not have firm status update

Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy updated the status of injured running back Ezekiel Elliott, who is nursing a torn MCL and bruised thigh sustained during Week 8’s victory over the Detroit Lions.

“Zeke’s getting better,” McCarthy said Monday. “We don’t have a projection yet.”

In Elliott’s absence, Tony Pollard became the primary ball carrier for Dallas against the Bears. He did not disappoint. The 25-year old tailback took 14 carries for 131 yards (9.4 yards per carry) and three touchdowns as the Cowboys scored 49 points and defeated Chicago by three scores.

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Despite the spectacular performance from Pollard, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones was quick to let everyone know that upon his return, Elliott is still the guy moving forward in the Dallas backfield.

“There’s no argument,” Jones said after Sunday’s win. “Zeke’s ability to punish, to deliver it, what he does for us in pass protection? And, frankly, Zeke’s ability to make big plays? We’re gonna go where Zeke goes. He’s that integral to our success this year.”

But what happens if Pollard continues to run through opposing defenses if Elliott’s recovery doesn’t go as planned? Pollard can earn some big-time money in free agency after he becomes an unrestricted free agent after spending his first four seasons in the league in Dallas.

Earning less than $1 million base salary, according to Spotrac, Dallas more than likely won’t have the cash available to have two running backs making significant money at the same time.

That leaves Elliott as the man that will carry the Cowboys into the future, but after Sunday’s performance, Pollard leads the team in rushing yards (504), rushing touchdowns (five), though Elliott is statistically one healthy performance away from retaking the team’s rushing crown.

Still, Elliott and Pollard are a heavy one-two punch for any opposing defense to handle. This could be a special season for the Cowboys, and both running backs will undoubtedly play a major role in that effort.

Elliott will have time to rest up during the Cowboys’ bye week, and Dallas will hope to have him back by the time they travel to Green Bay to take on the Packers on Nov. 13.