The Dallas Cowboys took a chance on Darren McFadden. The team opted to give the running back a chance to prove himself after a roller coast stint with the Oakland Raiders. The former first-round draft pick was getting a second chance as owner Jerry Jones continued to express confidence in McFadden along with Joseph Randle and Ryan Williams. However, McFadden is back to his old issues as he sits out with a hamstring injury.
According to ESPN's Todd Archer, McFadden is out with a hamstring strain, something that has been an issue for him for years. The coaches downplayed the issue with McFadden, opting to ignore it as he sat on the sidelines rehabbing the issue. However, if there is one thing the Cowboys cannot afford this year, it is injuries.
Dallas did not trade for Adrian Peterson or Matt Forte. They did not draft a young star like Todd Gurley. They are not going to sign Ray Rice. Instead, they are hoping the offense can make up for the loss of DeMarco Murray by operating with a running back by committee type of game plan. That means everyone must be healthy and on Thursday both McFadden and Ryan Williams were injured.
Randle has been taking all of the first-team reps with both players out. There has yet to be a depth chart determined for Dallas so he is in prime position to take hold of the No. 1 spot if he can improve. According to Jason Garrett, he needs Randle focused on running and not trash talking Murray.
"We addressed that with Joe, really immediately," Garrett said, via ESPN.com. "Sometimes comments like that get taken out of context or are not really intended the way they come out. I think Joe has great respect for DeMarco, as we all do. Joe did a good job with his opportunities, but Joe and everybody else on our football team, we have to focus on what we do and not on what we say. I think he understands that."
The Cowboys must be careful. If the running back injuries continue, the team could be forced to scramble for depth heading into training camp. According to team vice president Stephen Jones, the Cowboys have a small list of players they would target if they felt the need to bring someone on. Chris Johnson, Steven Jackson and Pierre Thomas are all available, while Ben Tate and Felix Jones came in for workouts earlier in the offseason.
"Obviously the running back situation is something we're going to keep our eyes on, but we're comfortable," Jones said. "I think out there today watching some of the guys, they look good. I think they can get the job done."
