Cowboys' Pollard exits game vs. 49ers due to ankle injury

Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Pollard did not return to Sunday's divisional-round game against the San Francisco 49ers after suffering an ankle injury late in the first half.

Pollard had his left ankle trapped under a 49ers defender while being tackled and needed help to get off the field. He was quickly carted to the locker room after being evaluated on the sideline.

Pollard's injury was a major blow to the Cowboys' offense. The running back has become a major weapon for Dallas this season, rushing for 1,007 yards and nine touchdowns. He also had 371 receiving yards and three scores through the air.

The 25-year-old produced 22 rushing yards and 11 receiving yards before exiting against San Francisco.

Ezekiel Elliott, who has split time with Pollard this year, took on the bulk of the backfield workload for the remainder of the postseason contest.

Dallas reportedly wants to keep Pollard - who's a free agent this offseason - and could use the franchise tag on him.