Garrett said the recovery time is expected to be “a couple months,” via ESPN.

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“I don’t want to put too much of a timetable on it,” Garrett said. “They said the surgery went well, and the overarching thing was a couple months. So we’ll see how he responds to everything, but we do anticipate him being back at some point in training camp and possibly being able to play in the opener.”

McFadden reportedly attempted to participate in last week’s optional team activities but found the pain in his elbow to be severe enough that he sought out the Cowboys medical staff Friday. Upon further examination Monday, the team doctors determined the injury was a fracture and would require surgery. The injury should not keep McFadden from playing the majority of the 2016 season, though it may cost McFadden some precious first-team reps just months after he established himself as a bona fide NFL starter.

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After struggling to remain healthy while playing for the Oakland Raiders during his first six years in the league, McFadden found both consistency and success in 2015. After a slow start to the year, McFadden went on to compile 1,089 rushing yards, good for fourth in the NFL, and three touchdowns by season’s end. His five 100-yard games were the second most in the NFL and his 16 game appearances marked the second time in seven campaigns he was physically able to take the field for the entirety of a season.

Luckily for Dallas, the team’s depth chart is not lacking at the running back position, as the Cowboys recently brought in former Washington Redskins running back Alfred Morris via free agency and used the fourth overall pick of this year’s NFL draft to scoop up Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliot, who is expected to see time with the first team in McFadden’s absence. Dallas also boasts Lance Dunbar, a dangerous receiving and rushing option currently recovering from ACL and MCL tears suffered in a game last October.