The Dallas Cowboys squared off with the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday night for a preseason week 2 matchup. In that game, rookie running back Tony Pollard got a slightly improved role.

He took advantage of it, with an impressive 14-yard touchdown scamper.

Tony Pollard was selected in the fourth-round (128th overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft. Many expected him to have a limited role, as he would be serving as Ezekiel Elliott's backup.

However, that may have changed. Elliott's status is unknown now as he's in a major contract dispute with the Cowboys. He's yet to report to the team and it doesn't seem like the two sides are even remotely close to a deal (or even getting any closer).

With that in mind, Pollard may suddenly have a major role heading into the season. He's proving that he's ready for the challenge.

In his first game, Pollard picked up 16 yards on four carries. This week, he had five carries, and picked up 42 yards and a touchdown with them. He added another nine yards in the air with one reception.

Pollard's showing he can do it all and that the playmaking ability is very much there. Neither of those things are much of a surprise. Last season, Pollard had 552 rushing yards and six touchdowns on just 78 carries (7.1 yards per carry). He added 39 receptions for 458 yards and three more touchdowns in the air.

That versatility and talent made the Cowboys very high on him. His ability to play both running back and receiver made him valuable even if Elliott was playing.

Without Elliott around though, Tony Pollard becomes a premiere player in the Dallas Cowboys offense. He's showing that he's ready for the responsibility with big plays like this. Congrats on the first NFL touchdown kid. Here's to many more.