The Dallas Cowboys lost to the 49ers in the preseason this weekend, but Joseph Randle and Darren McFadden both were able to make it onto the field and that is a good sign for the Cowboys rushing game moving forward and this comes as Randy Gregory has continued his strong summer, while Greg Hardy could be in line for an early contract extension.
The Cowboys let DeMarco Murray go in the offseason and signed McFadden to join Randle and Lance Dunbar as the top running backs on the depth chart. Gus Johnson has gotten work in camp and the preseason while McFadden and Randle dealt with injuries, but they are all healthy Johnson may not make the final roster. Randle is expected to start in place of Murray and the Cowboys had both Randle and McFadden on the field for the first time in the preseason on Sunday night.
Randle previously was held out of the first preseason game and then dealt with an oblique injury, which had some speculating that he could sit out again. Randle ended up playing against the Niners and was behind McFadden for the game and he rushed seven times for 30 yards. McFadden was the starter for the game and he ended up rushing for four yards on three carries while adding one catch for three yards. The Cowboys expect McFadden and Randle to split time if healthy and Dunbar also could get into the mix.
Randle had a career best 343 yards last season on just 51 carries and he averaged over 6.0 yards per carry last year in 16 games. Randle is likely going to be the main back in front of McFadden, who lasted 16 games for the Raiders last season for the first time in his career. The Cowboys were expected to add a big name running back in free agency or the draft, but the team opted to go with McFadden and Randle to replace Murray, as Jason Garrett felt the offensive line was good enough to keep up production.
Gregory has been playing very well in the preseason and performing well in camp and that could get him significant playing time as a rookie. The Cowboys already have Greg Hardy out for a stretch on a suspension and that could give Gregory the chance to prove himself early in the season. Gregory was a second round pick at number 60 overall after some off the field issues and he has put up two sacks so far in the preseason. Todd Archer at ESPN Dallas writes that Gregory is giving the "Cowboys good thoughts" despite the loss to the Niners.
Archer also wrote about the possibility of Greg Hardy signing an extension or re-signing after the season and whether the team would consider doing it early. Archer writes that a three-year deal for $12 million per season is not out of the realm for the Cowboys and it comes as the team has "lauded Hardy's work ethic" and that he has been a "great teammate" so far. The Cowboys may want to try and buy low, as they could end up paying more later if Hardy has a great season.
Check here for more on the Dallas Cowboys and the running back situation and more on the possibility of Hardy getting an extension.
