Report: Cowboys to consider resting Elliott to heal knee injury

The Dallas Cowboys are considering resting Ezekiel Elliott, including for their Thursday night matchup against the New Orleans Saints, so he can heal a lingering knee injury, a source told ESPN's Ed Werder.

However, it's not believed that Dallas is currently considering placing the star running back on injured reserve, Werder notes.

Elliott's playing time has decreased recently as he works through the ailment. He played just 47 snaps in the Cowboys' Thanksgiving loss to the Las Vegas Raiders and hasn't exceeded 70% of the team's offensive snaps in a game since Week 8.

Head coach Mike McCarthy expressed concern over Elliott's durability Friday.

"I am concerned because he's a warrior," McCarthy said. "He was fighting to get back in there every time, all day yesterday."

He added: "He gives a pounding and he takes some hits. We need to evaluate that, and this week we'll see what the preparation looks like for him."

Backup running back Tony Pollard has seen an increased role in recent weeks, recording 10 or more carries in two of his last three games.

Elliott has rushed for 720 yards and averaged 4.5 yards per carry this season while Pollard has totaled 531 yards and 5.3 yards per attempt.

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