The Dallas Cowboys are reportedly preparing to compete without star running back Ezekiel Elliott in Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News.

Elliot, who suffered a hamstring strain in last week’s loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, has been listed as questionable. The All-Pro running back has been limited in two practices; however, he’ll still go through pregame warmups on Sunday.

During a press conference on Friday, Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy said that they’re just trying to be smart with Elliot and don’t want to overwork him.

“He’s got a hamstring that we’re just being smart with,” McCarthy said on Friday, via Todd Archer in ESPN. “That’s why he was limited [Thursday], feels better today. But our work [Saturday] will tell us a lot and we’ll take it all the way to the pregame workout.”

If Elliot does miss Sunday’s game against the Steelers, the Cowboys are expected to start Tony Pollard. Pollard, who’s playing in his second season in the NFL, has recorded 25 carries in the past three games. In addition to Pollard, the Cowboys are expected to give undrafted rookie Rico Dowdle snaps against the Steelers. They have also activated FB Sewo Olonilua from the practice squad.

Sunday’s game against the Steelers will most certainly be a crucial game for the Cowboys. Even though they haven’t had a good season this year, they still have a chance to win the NFC East. The Cowboys, who own a record of 2-6, are only 1.5 games behind the top-seeded Philadelphia Eagles.