The Dallas Cowboys are not acquiring Adrian Peterson. That is officially a given after the running back reported to Minnesota for OTAs. The Cowboys have been linked to Peterson since before the 2014 season even began as the running back made it clear he wanted to play in Dallas. However, the Vikings tightened their grip on him and now the Cowboys are left to endorse both Darren McFadden and Joseph Randle as they battle for the starting spot.
Cowboys' OTAs will feature a running back competition for the first time in a few years after the departure of DeMarco Murray. The Cowboys signed McFadden and Ryan Williams to add to the rotation with Randle and Lance Dunbar and that depth chart has yet to be established. Owner Jerry Jones stresses the Cowboys have the best offensive line in the league, so which rusher will emerge as the top threat?
According to the Dallas Morning News, it appears the Cowboys are preparing to give McFadden the starting spot as he and Randle split reps with the team. Running back coach Gary Brown has been very impressed with the veteran who is in need of an impressive year if he intends continue in the NFL.
"I like what I see," Brown said, via FOX Sports. "He works hard. He had tremendous burst, tremendous speed. I can't wait to see him in pads. I got to give all those guys credit. I'm trying to mix them in. They are all getting chances with the [starters] and they are performing. They know there is a job to be won and they all want it. But at the same time they are going to work hard to get better. If they get better, the team gets better."
According to team vice president Stephen Jones, the Cowboys have a short list of veterans they will look at should McFadden and Randle turn out to not be enough, but they will first give those two every chance possible to succeed. The Cowboys gave tryouts to both Felix Jones and Ben Tate prior to OTAs while Chris Johnson, Pierre Thomas and Steven Jackson are available. The Chicago Tribune is reporting there will be no trades of Matt Forte while ESPN.com is claiming no team is showing interest in Ray Rice. If the Cowboys want to add another player, a veteran is their only option.
