Packers vs. Cowboys NFL Week 5: Top rookies to watch

Tony Pollard, RB, Dallas Cowboys

After carrying the ball 13 times for 103 yards and a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins in Week 3, rookie running back Tony Pollard didn’t receive a single carry against the New Orleans Saints in Week 4.

“We wanted to have Tony be a part of it like he’s been in the last couple weeks, but I think we had prior to that last drive we had 48, 49 plays in the game, and we had a couple of three and outs, they were on the field for a long time. So [Ezekiel Elliott] really wasn’t tired. It’s not like you needed to pull him out because he’s had all these snaps in a row, all these carries in a row.”

The above is a statement from Jason Garrett on why Pollard saw a reduced role against the Saints. I believe Garrett’s statement is just an excuse for the lack of creativity their offense showed in that game.

Pollard can be used as a weapon out of the backfield as a runner or receiver. I believe Pollard and Elliott should be on the field at the same time during more snaps to confuse the opposing defense.

With both of them on the field, it makes one extra threat the defense has to account for. Plus, how will the defense know which running back is getting the ball? Whoever does get the ball, will it be as a receiver or runner? Both Pollard and Elliott can do both.

After being way too conservative against the Saints, I believe the Cowboys will get back to their creative offense, and Pollard will be a big part of it. I doubt we see him receive zero carries for the second straight week. His role should be much increased in this Packers vs Cowboys NFL Week 5 matchup.

Donovan Wilson, S, Dallas Cowboys

Rookie safety Donovan Wilson has been mostly inactive for the Cowboys since preseason. Wilson made several plays in preseason, recording three interceptions in three games. Since then, Wilson’s opportunities have been limited. The door seems to have finally opened in NFL Week 5 because of an injury to Cowboys safety Kavon Frazier.

With Frazier out, Wilson will now step in as the backup safety. It’s unclear how many snaps Wilson will see outside of special teams in this Packers vs. Cowboys matchup. A big part of his snap count could rely on the health of starting safety Xavier Woods, who has been in and out of games with injuries so far this season.

I would think Wilson would see a decent amount of defensive snaps, as he’s proven to be a guy who is always around the ball. The Cowboys also seem to be confident in him moving forward. While talking about Wilson’s opportunity, safety Jeff Heath said, “He’s getting better. He’s a fast learner. He has good instincts, and he’s a good player. It’s an opportunity for him to do a little bit more.”

We may not see a ton of Wilson in this game, but this is the most playing time Wilson will see so far in his young career. Keep an eye on how he plays with an increased role on this defense during this Packers vs. Cowboys matchup in NFL Week 5.