Tony Pollard is one of the front-runners for fantasy football MVP this year, but the Cowboys’ star running back is in danger of missing Week 17’s Thursday Night Football showdown with the Titans. A thigh injury has his status up in the air, so fantasy football owners need to have a backup plan just in case Pollard can’t go on TNF. Knowing the latest updates is crucial before locking in your start ’em, sit ’em decisions ahead of fantasy championships.
We’ll continue to update this article with news on Pollard until the official active/inactive report comes out on Thursday around 6:50 p.m. ET.
MORE TNF:
DK lineup | FD lineup | Henry update | Start ’em, sit ’em
Is Tony Pollard playing Thursday night Week 17?
UPDATE: Pollard missed practice again on Wednesday but is officially “questionable” for Thursday’s game. At this point, he should be considered a true game-time decision, though some reports have indicated that he’s just been held out for “rest” as opposed to legitimate injury concerns.
UPDATE 2: NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported Thursday morning that Pollard’s status is “very much in doubt.” At this point, it appears fantasy owners should be preparing to be without the star RB.
Pollard (thigh) missed his second straight practice on Tuesday and is likely to get pegged with a “questionable” tag ahead of Thursday night. Pollard was expected to participate in Tuesday’s practice session, but a second consecutive “DNP” to begin the week isn’t a great sign for his Week 17 prospects. Pollard’s been an ADP gem for fantasy owners this season, significantly outperforming his preseason expectations and emerging as one of the most dynamic RBs in the NFL.
WEEK 17 PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
If Pollard suits up, he remains a must-start despite Tennessee’s defense sporting the league’s lowest rushing success rate (34 percent). On the season, Pollard ranks as the overall RB6 in PPR formats, as his ability to break off big runs and aid in the passing game is the perfect recipe for success against even the best run defense. With Tennessee potentially resting some starters as 10-point underdogs, there’s a chance Pollard’s workload decreases in the latter stages of the game if Dallas mounts a huge lead. Regardless, you’re running out Pollard if he’s good to go, as he always has an opportunity to reach paydirt while racking up a few receptions.
WEEK 17 STANDARD RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
If Pollard is ruled out, expect Ezekiel Elliott to assume a massive workload, operating as the team’s RB1. Elliott would also vault up near fantasy RB1 territory, as a 15-plus touch day is well within reach. Malik Davis would also see an uptick in usage, but he’s no more than a deep-league flex play, at best.
