Tony Pollard injury update: Everything to know after Cowboys running back carted off [UPDATED]

Cowboys running back Tony Pollard had to be carted off the sideline with his leg in an air cast after injuring his ankle against the 49ers.

The first half of the NFC Divisional Round playoff matchup was less-than-ideal for the Dallas Cowboys.

Quarterback Dak Prescott threw two interceptions. Kicker Brett Maher had his only PAT attempt blocked. And running back Tony Pollard went down with a serious-looking injury.

Pollard had his foot caught under a defender during a tackle and had to be helped off the field by trainers. A cart was brought out for him to take him back to receive X-rays.

Tony Pollard injury update: Everything to know after Cowboys RB carted off

UPDATE:

Unfortunately, Pollard’s injury is more serious than initially reported. According to Todd Archer, the running back suffered a fractured left fibula. That injury will require surgery.

While a three-month recovery shouldn’t get in the way of Pollard starting the 2023 season healthy, the injury could play a role in upcoming contract negotiations.

ORIGINAL:

Tom Rinaldi on the FOX broadcast reported coming out of halftime that Pollard suffered a high ankle sprain and would not return to action. He finished with six carries for 22 yards.

Any time an air cast is needed that’s bad news for the player. X-rays will reveal more but it looked like a serious issue. Pollard’s body language with a towel over his head backed that up.

If Dallas manages to beat the 49ers on Sunday, it would seem unlikely for Pollard to be available for the rest of the playoffs.

A high ankle sprain is the same injury suffered by Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes against the Jaguars. However, Mahomes was able to play on his ankle because a quarterback can work around that kind of injury more easily than a running back. The fact that Pollard had to be carted off with an aircast also suggests his sprain was more severe.

The running back is set to become a free agent this year and he’ll be looking for a big contract after rushing for 1,000 yards for the first time in his career. The last thing he needed was to suffer an injury with negotiations coming up.

The Cowboys have relied on Pollard as a change of pace from Ezekiel Elliot, who has remained the primary starter.