Ezekiel Elliott hopes to play vs. Bears regardless of knee harm

FRISCO, Texas — Ezekiel Elliott was not able to rule himself out of Sunday’s recreation towards the Chicago Bears, however the Dallas Cowboys operating again’s availability is in query after he missed Wednesday’s apply with a proper knee harm.

“We have nonetheless obtained a whole lot of time earlier than Sunday,” Elliott stated. “Proper now I am targeted on getting this knee as wholesome as I can.”

A supply instructed ESPN that Elliott is coping with a hyperextended proper knee that has brought on swelling and bruising after he took successful within the second quarter of final week’s victory over the Detroit Lions. Elliott returned to the sport and scored two touchdowns whereas ending with 57 dashing yards on 15 carries, however he was limping noticeably within the locker room after the sport.

“Knee feels all proper, somewhat stiff,” Elliott stated.

Elliott, who has 109 carries for 443 yards and 4 touchdowns this season, performed most of final season with {a partially} torn posterior cruciate ligament in his proper knee that he stated took away his burst. He wore a knee brace late within the season however didn’t miss a recreation.

Elliott stated he might play towards the Bears with out training through the week, telling reporters he has “obtained sufficient reps.” The Cowboys have a bye after taking part in the Bears, nevertheless, and a two-week break for Elliott might serve him properly for the lengthy haul.

“I feel it is a consideration,” Elliott stated. “It simply all depends upon how I really feel by the top of the week going into the sport.”

If Elliott, who has missed only one recreation to harm in his profession, can’t play towards Chicago, the Cowboys would lean on Tony Pollard, who has rushed for 375 yards and two touchdowns on 67 carries. He has by no means had greater than 14 carries in a recreation in his profession.

“On this league the one factor that’s assured is accidents,” Pollard stated. “It is 100% harm on this league. It is anticipated, so the following man obtained to be able to step in.”

Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy stated the group is “so, so lucky” to have each Elliott and Pollard and famous that “each are absolutely able to carrying a full load.”

The Cowboys have referred to as up undrafted rookie Malik Davis from the apply squad in every of the previous two video games and now have Qadree Ollison on the apply squad.

The Cowboys are scheduled to have a full-padded apply Thursday and undergo their closing apply Saturday earlier than needing to decide on Elliott.

“I feel it is going to be a gaggle effort. I feel it is going to be everybody having their enter,” Elliott stated. “I feel we’ll come collectively on the finish of the week and resolve what we will do.”