FRISCO, Texas -- Lucky Whitehead is 5-foot-9 and 180 pounds. He spends a lot of time of his time on the field blocking defenders who are fifty or sixty pounds heavier.

He doesn’t mind, and it’s an important part of the Dallas Cowboys; offense.

"I like contact," Whitehead said with a smile. "I’m a physical player -- I’ve always been physical -- and I don’t mind doing it. It’s good being on the field.

"Sometimes, though, you see a linebacker and you have to tell yourself to go block him. It’s funny, most of the time I see the guy I’m supposed to block, so I can brace for the hit. When you do that, it’s not that bad."

The Cowboys are third in the NFL in rushing attempts (101) and sixth in yards per game (134.0). They lead the NFL with seven touchdown runs.

Rookie running back Ezekiel Elliott ranks third in the NFL in attempts (71) and is tied for second in yards (274).

"He’s tough," play-caller Scott Linehan said of Whitehead. "Pound for pound, he’s a guy who does some of that dirty work for us. We don’t really look at him as a small guy, because he’s so strong and so tough.

"One of these days soon he’s going to come out there with a pass play, too."

Until then, Whitehead will continue helping Elliott gain yards.