Elliott out vs. 49ers due to calf injury
The Dallas Cowboys will be without Ezekiel Elliott for Sunday's contest against the San Francisco 49ers after declaring the running back inactive due to a calf injury.
Elliott failed to practice throughout the week and was originally designated as questionable coming into the game.
The rusher's status comes as a surprise as head coach Mike McCarthy told the media he expected Elliott to play earlier.
#Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott (calf) is still battling his injury, but coach Mike McCarthy told reporters "I still play on him playing on Sunday." It's just a matter of how effective he'll be vs the #49ers.
- Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 20, 2020
The 25-year-old has rushed for 832 yards this season but has struggled to be a consistent force in the backfield, averaging just 3.9 yards per carry. The former Ohio State back has battled ball security issues, fumbling six times over the course of the year.
Tony Pollard is expected to receive the bulk of the carries with Elliott sidelined. The 2019 fourth-round pick has filled in nicely in reserve, adding 339 yards on the ground this year.
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