The Dallas Cowboys could find themselves regretting not re-signing DeMarco Murray. The team has struggled heavily this season and the run game is certainly a factor in all of that. Since the start of the year the Cowboys have lost three running backs in their rotation leaving just Darren McFadden as the lone workhorse. After the latest release could the team eye another roster addition or will they simply work off depth for the rest of the year?
The whole "running back by committee" approach Dallas intended to work with has failed. Lance Dunbar was lost for the season to injury. Joseph Randle was released. Christine Michael was acquired and then released on Tuesday according to Todd Archer of ESPN.com. That now leaves McFadden as the starter and every-down along with Trey Williams and Rod Smith. That is not enough to get the job done considering McFadden is not known for his consistency. The veteran is putting together one of the best seasons of his career with 494 yards and two touchdowns. However, he only managed 32 rushing yards against Tampa Bay.
The Cowboys are a stretch to make the playoffs, like a real stretch. Getting Tony Romo back under center is certainly helpful, but seven straight losses might mean they are simply too far gone at this point. Is there a point at signing another running back? According to Romo, the Cowboys are going to make a major comeback this season and owner Jerry Jones agrees.
"We've got to show everybody, including ourselves, that when we get that edge with good quarterbacking that we can really be a top team in the NFL," Jones said Tuesday on 105.3 The Fan in Dallas. "Now we've got to do it and it's uphill because we've challenged ourselves. ... But this edge that Tony can give us, we have not had."
There are still a lot of quality rushers on the free agents on the market the Cowboys could target. Pierre Thomas is available along with Robert Turbin as both running backs worked out for the Patriots but were not signed. Montee Ball is still an option after the Chicago Bears opted not to sign him. Steven Jackson is a healthy veteran available. Of course Ray Rice is an option. If the Cowboys feel they really have a chance to win out with Romo back under center, they need to add another running back. McFadden is looking good, but he is not great. The depth in Williams and Smith are unproven at best having seen very little playing time this year. Another running back would at least help the rotation.
UPDATE: NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reports Cowboys sign Robert Turbin on Wednesday.
