The Dallas Cowboys have some injury concerns after their first preseason game and the team is going to need to make some tough decisions in the coming days. After the team's game against the San Diego Chargers, they officially have four injured running backs. Darren McFadden is sitting on the PUP list. Lance Dunbar has a sprained ankle and Joseph Randle and Gus Johnson are dealing with minor issues. While team vice president stands by the idea of not adding anyone on the free agent market, will the pressure get to him?
The Cowboys believe they have the roster to replace DeMarco Murray at the running back position, but so far no one is healthy enough to do it. With four running backs injured, the Cowboys will likely be forced to sign someone off the market and the options could begin to shrink as several teams are dealing with injuries early.
Earlier in the offseason, Jones told the media that Chris Johnson was on the short-list of veterans the Cowboys would chase if needed. However, Jay Glazer of FOX Sports is reporting Johnson is set to visit the Arizona Cardinals with a contract likely in the near future. In major need of running back health, Johnson will take the team physical and could be off the market before the next preseason game.
If the Cowboys are going to sign someone, they need to do so quickly. The Cleveland Browns need running back help. The Washington Redskins suffered a season-ending injury in their first preseason game. The options will get smaller. With plenty of pressure on the Cowboys to bounce back from a successful year in 2014, the team could easily make the move for Ray Rice or Pierre Thomas in the coming week and secure help for the future.
Injuries are also hitting the cornerback position. Brandon Carr is out with a broken hand. Morris Claiborne missed the first preseason game with a lingering knee issue. That forced Byron Jones into the starting spot and he was challenged early, but appeared to answer the call well enough to give Dallas confidence for the future. With at least one player likely to be released from the group, Claiborne did not help himself by missing the game. Orlando Scandrick and Jones handled things well enough that the Cowboys would be ok without him and his contract.
