The Dallas Cowboys were knocked out of the NFL divisional round after a low-scoring thriller loss to the San Francisco 49ers. The Cowboys have been eliminated from the playoffs three times in a row now.
The Cowboys entered the game as the second favorite against the most in-form team in the NFL, the 49ers. Both teams fought tooth and nail up until the last quarter, where the host got the last laugh and secured the spot in the conference championship.
The Cowboys also sustained a massive blow last night as their Running Back, Tony Pollard, suffered a horrific injury during the game.
What happened to Tony Pollard last night?
The Cowboys’ 25-year-old RB Tony had endured a horrific injury to his left ankle just before the halftime whistle. The 49ers safety tackled him to end an 8-yard rush on a second-and-2 play with the Cowboys quarterback.
— not highlight heaven (@ABsneurosurgeon) January 23, 2023
After such a fatal injury, the Cowboys’ chance to finish the half with a lead went down the drain. The Cowboys lost the game eventually, which could have been avoided if the RB were still on the field.
Pollard was taken to the medical tent on the sidelines, and later he was taken out of the field by the cart. There has been no official announcement regarding the nature of the injury or diagnosis.
Cowboys RB Tony Pollard loaded onto a cart from the blue medical tent. Towel over his face. Teammates give him pats on arm as he rolls past, but doesn't look good for a first-time Pro Bowler approaching contract season.
— Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) January 23, 2023
Pollard made his NFL debut in 2019 after being selected in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Cowboys. He scored 17 touchdowns in 62 games in a four-year career at Dallas.
Prior to the injury, the pro bowler rushed for 1007 yards with a 5.2-yard average per attempt and scored 9 touchdowns. He was a vital cog in the offense for the Cowboys. His absence will surely take a toll on them.
Cowboys RB Tony Pollard fitted for air cast on left lower leg/ankle before he's carted off, per @KristiCowboy https://t.co/bqfKtnXxQe
— Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) January 23, 2023
Do you think the game would have gone otherwise if the injury had not happened? Does Tony Pollard’s departure give the 49ers an advantage in winning? Share your thoughts in the comments section.