Cowboys' Tony Pollard 'very excited' to be team's starting running back: 'Ready for the challenge'

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Tony Pollard is entering his fifth season with the Dallas Cowboys. He was named to his first Pro Bowl last season, although he had to share carries with two-time All-Pro running back Ezekiel Elliott. 

Pollard still managed a career-best 1,378 yards from scrimmage and nine rushing touchdowns. 

The 26-year-old's season came to a screeching halt when he broke his fibula during the Cowboys' playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers.

Dallas opens the season against the Giants Sept. 10. When the game kicks off, Pollard will be "RB1" for the Cowboys.

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Tony Pollard of the Dallas Cowboys carries the ball against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half in an NFC wild-card game at AT&T Stadium Jan. 16, 2022, in Arlington, Texas. (Tom Pennington/Getty Images)

Pollard expressed excitement about transitioning to a new role for 2023.

"Yeah, I'm very excited, ready for the challenge and ready to be the lead back, so I can show what I can do," Pollard said Wednesday.

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The running back also provided an update on his health heading into the season opener.

"I'm good physically, mentally, emotionally. I'm good. I'm ready to go," Pollard said.

Splitting carries in a backfield is something Pollard has done multiple times throughout his career. He shared carries with former Rams running back Darrell Henderson during his college days with the Memphis Tigers.

Patrick Taylor helped handle ball carrier duties with Pollard during their time together on the Green Bay Packers practice squad. Pollard played