The Dallas Cowboys have placed Darren McFadden on the PUP list to start training camp and that leave Joseph Randle as the starter and he likely will have the number 1 job this season with McFadden ailing from a hamstring injury and this comes as the team has depth with Lance Dunbar, Lache Seastrunk and Gus Johnson after the release of Ryan Williams.
McFadden was signed in the offseason to help make up for the loss of DeMarco Murray and now he will be the one-two punch with Randle on the depth chart. According to the Dallas Morning News, McFadden is opening up camp on the PUP list while dealing with a hamstring injury and he said to the media that the injury was not serious. McFadden had a hamstring issue earlier in the offseason and now he is dealing with the same issue, but on his other leg, according to David Helman on Twitter.
McFadden being out for part of the offseason program and the start of camp likely means that Randle will be the starter. The Dallas Morning News predicated before camp that Randle would get the nod and with McFadden banged up, the team could even consider adding another RB in free agency. Players like Ray Rice, Chris Johnson, Ben Tate and Felix Jones are available and could be options. The Cowboys just added Gus Johnson after releasing Ryan Williams and the team also has Lache Seastrunk and Lance Dunbar on the roster. Those players could see more time with McFadden out.
McFadden has dealt with injuries in the past and last season was the first time that he made it through a full season schedule for the Raiders. Randle showed enough last season to win the job this year and with McFadden ailing, he is likely getting the nod. The team signed Gus Johnson as an undrafted free agent and while he may not make the team, he could be a solid practice squad option for the Cowboys. Helman later reported that McFadden doesn't think the injury is too bad and said he hopes to be "back in a week or so."
The team signed McFadden this offseason and he likely will start the year second on the depth chart with Randle first and Dunbar third if the team doesn't add another running back. McFadden played in all 16 games last season for the Raiders, staying healthy for a full schedule for the first time in his career. The Cowboys felt that Murray was too expensive and they also think the offensive line is good enough to keep the rushing attack consistent without him.
Jerry Jones thinks the team can win the Super Bowl this season and it comes after the Pro Football Writers of America voted Jones the executive of the year last season. Jones had to pull off another performance and kept the team mostly , including by keeping Dez Bryant. The Cowboys finished 12-4 and won the NFC East title and they ended the season at Lambeau Field after a tough loss against the Packers that turned on the Dez Bryant non-catch. The Cowboys ranked second in rushing yards per game this season and Romo turned in one of his best statistical seasons with 34 touchdowns and Jones also signed back Jason Garrett on a five year deal.
Check here for more on McFadden and the Dallas Cowboys in training camp.
