With almost two weeks of training camp under their belt, the Dallas Cowboys are dealing with injury issues that they simply cannot afford. The Cowboys are aiming to continue off the momentum gained from last year and having everyone healthy will be critical to the effort. However, two of the teams are currently sitting out with issues that may or may not be serious.
With the departure of DeMarco Murray, the pressure is on the remaining running backs to pick up the slack. The Cowboys signed Darren McFadden despite his lackluster performance with the Oakland Raiders and already he is proving to be a risk as a hamstring injury continues to be an issue. McFadden has yet to really be seen on the field as he watches from the sidelines, but the Cowboys are confident that the running back could return this weekend and be very productive.
"I know there are a lot of fans that have had their doubts," team vice president Stephen Jones said, via the Dallas Morning News. "There are probably people in this organization right now that are a little frustrated that (McFadden) is not out there on the field right now. It's Jerry and I's opinion that we want to make sure that he is ready to go when he hits that football field. We think that he has great skill and can really help our team out this year. At the same time we got to make sure that when he hits the field, he's ready, and there's not something not nagging him that keeps him from being the best that he can be. I know that can be frustrating for our coach staff right now."
With McFadden down, Joseph Randle and Lance Dunbar are picking up the slack. So far the Cowboys have denied the idea that they are adding another player to the rotation which means no one risks getting released at the moment. The same can be said for the wide receiver position as Dez Bryant went down with a hamstring injury. According to Todd Archer of ESPN.com is reporting that the issue is not serious and Bryant is expected to be fine with some rest. It does put pressure on other receivers like Terrance Williams and Cole Beasley to step up and play better.
While the depth chart continues to work itself out on offense, the defensive side is a little more questionable, especially in the secondary. The Cowboys have a slew of cornerbacks battling it out as Byron Jones is already impressing. Orlando Scandrick, Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne are all battling to start alongside the rookie. The preseason will be critical to determining who gets the nod.
