DeMarco Murray's season may not be going as planned. The Dallas Cowboys running back has been in hot water with both the team and fantasy owners. After being considered the savior of the Cowboys run game, there to take pressure off quarterback Tony Romo, trade a release rumors have surrounded the back. After sitting out Week 7 with a sprained MCL, Murray is set to make his return.
Owner Jerry Jones is acting like everything is fine with Murray. Jones announced that Murray was returning to practice on Wednesday and is expected to be on the field for the team's matchup against Detroit.
"I think there's a good chance - it's a good chance - I don't know, but you could see Murray back next week," Jones said, via the team website. "Murray's a dominant back out there. It takes its toll on the defense when he's out there. I think we're in great shape at running back. We should have him possibly at a point in time. I don't know if it will be next week. You could have all three of these guys back at the same time. I mean, have [Lance] Dunbar and Murray back and then have [Joseph] Randle play good."
Murray reportedly looked strong in Wednesday's practice and appears to be a lock to start on Sunday. He took all of the first-team reps in place of backup Joseph Randle. The rookie had a strong game in place of Murray against the Philadelphia Eagles. He put up 65 yards on 19 carries along with three catches for 28 yards in the victory.
Murray is the team's leading rusher, which is not saying much since the Cowboys rarely run the ball. HE has 428 yards on 91 carries, averaging 4.7 yards per game. Randle is only averaging 2.7 yards per carry in his limited time on the field, putting up just 82 yards on the year. However, the rookie might remain the better option at least this week as Murray continues to work his way back to being a full-time player again.
Investing in a Cowboys running back is never smart. Murray is merely a second or third option on a roster in the first place. He has been a strong disappointment at this point in the year and Randle is not any better. Give Murray another week before he moves off the bench.
The Cowboys continue to show faith in the running back despite the rumors that Murray is no longer the franchise back Jones had once predicted. NFL Insider Ian Rapoport reported the team was no longer sold on Murray and he could be trade bait at the deadline that approaches next week. If Murray can put up a decent game against a strong Detroit front, he might secure his future for a little longer.