DeMarco Murray is in the midst of having a career-high season as he is on pace to break or tie Larry Johnson's single-season NFL carries record. The running back continues to balance out the Dallas Cowboys offense and take pressure off Tony Romo. However, Murray might be capable of getting his name in the record books this season, but head coach Jason Garrett hopes he does not even come close. Staying healthy is more important and the running back could see less action in the coming weeks.
Garrett is hoping that Cowboys make the postseason this year and Murray will be critical in that effort. More importantly, a healthy Murray will be critical in that effort which is why Garrett plans on lessening the load a bit. Right now, the running back has 670 yards off 130 carries in five games. He has had games where he touchdes the ball 31 times as the Cowboys have suddenly become a run-first team. He gets at least 22 carries per game right now and Garrett recognizes that should probably come down some.
"DeMarco was out there and we think that's probably too many carries in the game, week in and week out," Garrett said, via ESPNDallas.com. "He ended up with 31 so we'd like to get that number lower. We'd really just like to get the other guys an opportunity. I don't see any wear and tear in DeMarco but having said that, we want to make sure we create a rotation and we'll focus on doing that in the next few weeks. We've got to make sure we take care of him over the course of the season, but we'd do that with any player."
Whether Murray wants less carries or not, it does not matter. His injury history alone is cause for concern and the Cowboys realize they cannot afford to lose the running back for any period of time. Their foot is on the gas right now in terms of urgency for success and Murray could be the player that gets them back into the playoffs while saving a few jobs in the process.
Garrett plans on getting backups Joseph Randle and Lance Dunbar involved more in the coming weeks. They have combined for 22 carries for 88 yards in four games. That cannot really be too much of a shock considering how often Murray is on the field. Fantasy owners should not read too much into this. Murray will still be a lead back, but he might get 20 handsoffs per game instead of 31. Romo will still seek to run the ball first considering how inconsistent he is throwing it.
