The question of is Tony Pollard playing in Week 5 only arose for fantasy football managers on Friday. With Pollard popping up on the Dallas Cowboys injury report with an illness to end the week, his status for Sunday was suddenly very much in doubt. Let’s examine the latest updates and what fantasy managers should consider doing with Pollard this week.
Update: Pollard is officially active and will play today against the Rams.
Is Tony Pollard Playing Today?
The good news as of Sunday morning is that Pollard is expected to play, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Illnesses that pop up late in the week can often be confusing for a player’s status, especially if the team has to travel.
We largely see players able to play through illness, but there are occasions where the player has to miss the game. Of course, with any illness, it is very day-to-day. You can feel terrible one day, better the next, and then awful again on the third.
Therefore, it would not be a surprise if we hear that Pollard is inactive on Sunday afternoon. That is incredibly risky for fantasy managers, with the game between the Cowboys and Rams being in the late afternoon window.
What Should Fantasy Managers Do With Pollard in Week 5?
Precedence, instinct, and general reason would suggest Pollard is more likely to play than not. However, there is a risk involved if you pass up 1 p.m. ET options for Pollard.
If he is then labeled as inactive, fantasy managers could be left scrambling to find another option for their lineup.
Therefore, if you are going to risk playing Pollard, then you need to make sure he is in your flex spot and that you know your process for replacing him if he is inactive.
MORE: Week 5 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet
The biggest question mark falls on whether you should even be considering starting Pollard in the first place. His workload this season has been inconsistent.
He has had double-digit opportunities in each of the last two weeks, delivering handsomely in Week 3 and struggling in Week 4. He took his 13 carries in Week 3 for 105 yards. Meanwhile, last week his 11 opportunities turned into a total of eight yards, with one reception.
The Rams are currently the toughest matchup in the league for opposing RBs. Their 10.7 fantasy points allowed to RBs on average in half-PPR is the lowest of any team this year. Additionally, their defense has been incredibly consistent in being tough on backs.
The range of fantasy point outputs has been between 8.5 and 13.4. They have allowed an average of 71 rushing yards, 25 receiving yards per game, and just one touchdown to the position through four weeks.
Therefore, it would be prudent to consider benching Pollard this week, with the added uncertainty of the illness. While he is a dynamic playmaker, he is somewhat boom-or-bust while splitting touches with Ezekiel Elliott.
If you do not have any other starting options on your roster, this week, you may not have a choice, but it is well worth the time investment to scour the waiver wire to see if there is a “streaming” option at RB, WR, or TE, who might be a safer bet this week.