Tony Pollard Injury Update Sends Ezekiel Elliott Fantasy Outlook Soaring in Championship Week

Week 17 of the NFL season is here, which means it's the championship round in many fantasy leagues this week. Unfortunately for managers, many star players are dealing with injuries at this stage of the season, including Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Pollard.

Pollard has been one of the best RBs in fantasy this year, racking up 1,359 yards from scrimmage and 12 total touchdowns en route to his first Pro Bowl appearance. All that work seems to have taken a toll, however, as he's expected to be inactive for Week 17's edition of Thursday Night Football with a thigh injury.

While Pollard's managers are scrambling for a potential last-minute replacement, Ezekiel Elliott's fantasy managers are rejoicing.

Ezekiel Elliott Week 17 Fantasy Outlook

With Pollard out, Elliott is set to lead the Cowboys' backfield in a road matchup against the Tennessee Titans.

Pollard hasn't missed a game yet this season, so Elliott's fantasy managers haven't been able to see what he can do without the competition for touches. Despite sharing backfield duties, Elliott has still been remarkably productive himself, tallying 921 scrimmage yards and 11 touchdowns in 13 games.

Elliott has averaged a healthy 17 touches per game alongside Pollard this year, though that number could easily climb into the 20-25 range without his backfield mate. The three-time Pro Bowler could be in line to top 20 carries for a second time this season with Pollard on the sideline.

Zeke has scored at least one touchdown in eight straight games, so he's a good bet to extend that streak as well. He should also benefit from a favorable game script against the Titans, who are in complete disarray after losing five straight games. Tennessee is listed as a massive 13.5-point underdog on FanDuel Sportsbook's NFL odds, so Dallas should be able to win easily and go run-heavy once the contest is in hand.

All signs point to Elliott having a massive game on Thursday, potentially his best of the season. Don't be surprised if he clears 100 rushing yards for the first time this year and adds to his growing touchdown total. Elliott has spent much of the campaign as an RB2, but Pollard's injury upgrades him to an RB1.

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