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The Dallas Cowboys finally get their maligned running game going, and DeMarco Murray gets hurt.

UPDATE: Sunday, December 2 at 8:12 p.m. ET

It's official, Dallas fans and owners of Murray in fantasy football. According to Ian Rapoport, Murray is active as expected and will be available for the Cowboys tonight.



DeMarco Murray as expected is active. — Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 3, 2012

Get him in your fantasy lineup ASAP.

---End of Update---

UPDATE: Sunday, December 2 at 10:54 a.m. ET

DeMarco Murray is expected to play tonight against the Eagles, but will likely be in a limited role, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

These things can and do change. But going into tonight's game, Cowboys expect RB DeMarco Murray to be used in a limited role. — Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 2, 2012

---End of Update---

UPDATE: Thursday, Nov. 29 at 2:25 p.m. ET by Tim Daniels

Calvin Watkins of ESPN Dallas reports Murray was back at practice again on Thursday. He made his long-awaited return on Wednesday.

The fact he was able to get back on the practice field right away is a great sign for his status. The Cowboys haven't been attempting to rush him back, so if he would have had even a slight setback he likely wouldn't have been out there today.

There are still a couple days of waiting to see how he feels, but he's on a good track right now.

---End of update--

UPDATE: Wednesday, November 28 at 12:35 p.m. ET by Ben Chodos

The Dallas Cowboys backfield appears as if it will get a major boost this weekend.

ESPN Dallas' Calvin Watkins reported that DeMarco Murray is practicing today, and The Fort Worth Star-Telegram's Clarence Hill notes that the running back did not appeared hampered by his foot injury.

No Felix Jones today but DeMarco Murray is practicing. — Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) November 28, 2012

Murray is doing drills with rest of backs.Looking good so far — Clarence Hill (@clarencehilljr) November 28, 2012

Dallas faces an NFC East showdown with the Philadelphia Eagles, and Murray would give the Cowboys a dangerous weapon to use against the Eagles' mediocre run defense.

---End of Update---

UPDATE: Tuesday, November 27 at 9:47 a.m. ET

Somewhat encouraging news for Cowboys fans and fantasy owners ESPN's Ed Werder reports that DeMarco Murray is expected to practice this week, though cautions fans that it is still unknown if he will suit up on Sunday.

Cowboys hopeful that WR Miles Austin will be ready for Eagles and plan to practice RB DeMarco Murray but no guarantee he plays Eagles #nfl — Ed Werder (@Edwerderespn) November 27, 2012

---End of Update---

UPDATE: Thursday, Nov. 22 at 3:40 p.m. ET by Timothy Rapp

Another week, another missed game for DeMarco Murray. As Arash Markazi of ESPN reports, the hobbled running back will miss the Thanksgiving game:

Dallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray will miss his sixth consecutive game Thursday with a midfoot sprain. espn.go.com/dallas/nfl/sto… — Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) November 22, 2012

This is hardly surprising news, but Murray's injury woes this season have certainly been a disappointment for his fantasy owners and Cowboys' fans in general. Hopefully, the extra days off between this week and next will be enough for him to return.

---End of Update---

UPDATE: Friday, Nov. 16 at 4:07 p.m. ET by Mike Shiekman



Those Cowboy fans who were hoping for Murray to play against Cleveland this week will likely be disappointed. Cleveland Plain Dealer's Mary Kay Cabot reported on players' statuses for the Browns-Cowboys game.

#Browns CB Joe Haden (oblique)questionable for Cowboys. DT Ahtyba Rubin (calf) too. Cowboys RB DeMarco Murray (foot) is doubtful — Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) November 16, 2012

In order to make a late run at the NFC East, the 'Boys will need to establish the running game with or without Murray. If Murray can't go, as the status indicated, Felix Jones will get the call.

---End of Update---

UPDATE: Friday, Nov. 16 at 12:01 p.m. ET by Ethan Grant

It's looking less and less likely that Murray will be ready for Sunday's game against the Browns. ESPN's Calvin Watkins was at Cowboys practice on Friday, and Murray was not in attendance.



No demarco Murray or Ryan cook today at practice — Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) November 16, 2012

Although Jason Garrett expressed confidence in Murray being able to play without practice time, this is a crucial blow to his status for Sunday. Keep checking back as the Cowboys make their inactive list official later on in the weekend.

---End of Update---





UPDATE: Friday, Nov. 16 at 9:45 a.m. ET by Tim Daniels

The Cowboys don't expect to have Murray back on the field for Sunday's game against the Browns, according to Ed Werder of ESPN. A nagging foot injury continues to hinder the running back's progress.

Cowboys not optimistic about DeMarco Murray return against Browns as they are skeptical sprained foot is sufficiently healed #cowboys — Ed Werder (@Edwerderespn) November 16, 2012

Fantasy owners should once again be looking in a different direction at the RB position this week. It remains unclear how far away from a return Murray is, but the Cowboys clearly want him at full strength before putting him in the lineup.

---End of update---

UPDATE: November 13 at 10:41 a.m. ET

Jerry Jones did not sound optimistic regarding DeMarco Murray's availability for the team's Week 11 contest, according to Fort Worth Star-Telegram's Clarence Hill.

Cowboys Jerry Jones said they will continue to evaluate running back DeMarco Murray this week in hopes of him playing against the Browns Sunday after missing the last four games with a sprained foot. But he didn’t sound optimistic about his availability, while echoed sentiments a source told the Star-Telegram on Monday about the Cowboys wanting to make sure Murray was 100 percent healthy before allowing him to play again because the nature of his position and the need to have him on the field down the road. 'He is a physical running back,' Jones said on his radio show Tuesday on KRLD-FM 105.3 The Fan. 'You want to be very comfortable for him to make his cut. All of that has to be right before he goes out there because we got to look down the road here. We hope we are in this thing and needing him on every play as we moving forward even beyond Cleveland.'

---End of Update---

UPDATE: Sunday, Nov. 11 at 2:55 p.m. ET by Ben Chodos

Cowboys fans will have to wait at least one more week until DeMarco Murray is back in the lineup.

ESPN Dallas' Todd Archer reported, "What seemed likely all week has happened as the Cowboys have ruled out DeMarco Murray for Sunday's game at Philadelphia."

Dallas could have used the star running back in their division showdown with the Eagles, but a foot injury will continue to keep him on the sidelines.

---End of Update---

UPDATE: Thursday, Nov. 8 at 12:40 p.m. ET by Tim Daniels

Murray was spotted playing catch with receiver Dez Bryant by Calvin Watkins of ESPN Dallas, who thought it might be a sign he would return to practice. That didn't end up happening, however, as Watkins reported he isn't practicing today.

DeMarco Murray is in a helmet playing catch with Dez Bryant. Will he practice today? — Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) November 8, 2012

We've been told Murray isn't practicing today. — Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) November 8, 2012

More negative news for the Cowboys and Murray's fantasy owners. He would need to make a lot of progress in a short amount of time in order to suit up in Week 10 and the team isn't likely to push him too hard and risk a setback.

---End of update---

UPDATE: Wednesday, November 7 at 12:44 a.m. ET

Lending more credence to the belief that DeMarco Murray won't play this week is his absence from today's practice.

DeMarco Murray is not practicing. On field in cleats but no pads. Looks like rehab day. — Todd Archer (@toddarcher) November 7, 2012

---End of Update---

The Cowboys are wisely taking their time with the young running back, and it remains to be seen when he'll finally make his way back into the lineup. At this rate, it looks like Felix Jones will once again be the feature back in Dallas.

UPDATE: Tuesday, November 6 at 10:49 a.m. ET

Tough news for Dallas fans and fantasy owners as the Cowboys reportedly don't expect DeMarco Murray (foot) to play in Week 10, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter per ESPN's Ed Werder.

According to @edwerderespn, the Cowboys do not expect DeMarco Murray to play in Week 10 due to his foot injury. — Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 6, 2012

---End of Update---

UPDATE: Tuesday, November 6 at 9:53 a.m. ET

DeMarco Murray (foot) still needs to pass certain physical tests before he is able to return to action, according to Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett per Dallas Morning News' John Machota.

Following his Monday press conference, Cowboys coach Jason Garrett explained how Murray needs to complete a series of tests before he is cleared to return. 'The process you go through with an injury like that is you have different thresholds,' Garrett said. 'He has to be able to do different things. He has to be able to 10 times go up and down on his toes. Then, he has to be able to hop on his foot by itself without any pain. Then, he has to be able to jog. All that kind of stuff.' 'So there’s a number of different thresholds that he has to get past before he can even practice. We obviously want him to practice before he plays in the game.' Garrett informed a group of media members that Murray has already passed a couple of those tests. But a few still remain. 'He’ll have a lot more chances to pass them here in the next couple of days,' Garrett said.

---End of Update---

UPDATE: Friday, Nov. 2 at 5:39 p.m. ET by Tyler Conway

As expected, Dallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray has been officially ruled out for Sunday night's game against the Atlanta Falcons, according to ESPN's Calvin Watkins:

Dallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray is making progress in his rehab from a sprained foot, but he will not play Sunday night against the unbeaten Atlanta Falcons. Murray said he did some running this week and has a target date for a return, but won't reveal it. He said Friday that missing his third straight game is "a little frustrating."

---End of Update---





UPDATE: Friday, Nov. 2 at 1:05 p.m. ET by Ryan Davenport

There finally appears to be a definitive answer as to whether Murray will play on Sunday, as NBC Sports' Josh Alper has reported the following, via ESPN's Dan Archer:

Archer also passes along that running back DeMarco Murray will miss a third straight game with a sprained foot. That was expected after the team made it clear that they plan to take as much time as needed to get Murray back to 100 percent. Felix Jones, who has also been banged up, and Phillip Tanner will handle the running duties on Sunday as the Cowboys try to knock off another undefeated team.

Murray's continued absence is obviously a troubling sign for the Cowboys, as they didn't even have to wait until the weekend to rule the bruising back out.

---End of Update---

UPDATE: Thursday, Nov. 1 at 1:55 p.m. ET by Tim Daniels

Murray wasn't able to return to practice on Thursday, based on a report from Todd Archer of ESPN. He's trying to work his way back from a foot injury, but still hasn't made enough progress after missing the last two weeks.

Based on his inability to hit the practice field so far this week, it doesn't look promising for him to make his return in Week 9, either.

---End of update---

UPDATE: Wednesday, October 31 at 12:47 p.m. ET by Brandon Galvin

DeMarco Murray (foot) has yet to resume practicing with the Cowboys as Dallas' star RB isn't at practice today, according to ESPNDallas.com's Todd Archer.

No DeMarco Murray, Dez Bryant or Jason Hatcher at practice. — Todd Archer (@toddarcher) October 31, 2012

---End of Update---

UPDATE: Sunday, October 28 at 9:20 p.m. ET by Ben Chodos

DeMarco Murray may be available for the Dallas Cowboys' Week 9 game against the Atlanta Falcons.

The Dallas Morning News' Brandon George reported via Twitter that the owner Jerry Jones is optimistic about the running back's ability to return before next Sunday.

#Cowboys owner Jerry Jones on if RB DeMarco Murray will play next week at Atlanta: "I am encouraged that he has a chance to be back." — Brandon George (@dmn_george) October 29, 2012

Murray will certainly be welcomed back after Felix Jones rushed for just 19 yards on 13 carries in the teams' 29-24 loss to the New York Giants.

---End of update---

UPDATE: Sunday, October 28 at 3:30 p.m. ET by Rob Goldberg

The Cowboys officially listed Murray on the inactive list, according to Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News.

Cowboys inactives: WR Andre Holmes, S Charlie Peprah, RB DeMarco Murray, S Matt Johnson, LB Kyle Wilber, C Phil Costa and DT Sean Lissemore — Ralph Vacchiano (@RVacchianoNYDN) October 28, 2012

Felix Jones, however, is active and should handle the responsibilities at running back along with Phillip Tanner.

---End of Update---

UPDATE: Friday, October 26 at 1:10 p.m. ET by Rob Goldberg

ESPN's Ed Werder reported that Murray will once again sit this week against the New York Giants.

I'm told that DeMarco Murray is out but Felix Jones and DeMarcus Ware will play against the Giants.#cowboys #giants — Ed Werder (@Edwerderespn) October 26, 2012

Fortunately for Cowboys fans, Felix Jones will be able to play in his place after getting banged up last week against the Carolina Panthers.

The backup is a solid, though unspectacular fantasy play if needed this week.

---End of Update---

UPDATE: Wednesday, October 24 at 2:30 p.m. ET by Timothy Rapp

Jerry Jones has good news for Cowboys fans, and... well, vague news. From Bart Hubbuch of the New York Post:

Jerry Jones says DeMarco Murray’s injury isn’t season-ending and that he’ll be back “shortly.” #Cowboys — Bart Hubbuch (@HubbuchNYP) October 24, 2012

If you picked up Felix Jones on waivers last week, expect to start him against the New York Giants. Murray may be back "shortly," but I don't think it will be by Sunday.

---End of Update---

UPDATE: Wednesday, October 24 at 12:32 p.m. ET by Brandon Galvin

The Cowboys reportedly don't expect star RB DeMarco Murray to play Sunday when they host the New York Giants, according to Dallas Morning News' Brandon George.

The Cowboys don’t expect starting running back DeMarco Murray to play Sunday against the Giants... ...Cowboys coach Jason Garrett said Wednesday morning that Murray won’t practice Wednesday. 'Hopefully he’s just progressing,' Garrett said. 'He’s moving around better. He’s in meetings and we’ll just see where he is.' Asked if the Cowboys are still asking Murray to keep weight off of his left foot, Garrett said, 'I think we’re just being careful about any weight we’re putting on it. The more time we give him the better.'

---END OF UPDATE---

UPDATE: Tuesday, Oct. 23 at 1:50 p.m. ET by Jessica Isner

Bad news for the Cowboys, good news for the Giants defense.

According to a tweet from Pro Football Talk's Evan Silva, DeMarco Murray probably isn't going to see the field on Sunday:

ESPN's Ed Werder on #Cowboys RB DeMarco Murray (foot): "I'm told today it's doubtful he plays Sunday against the #Giants." — Evan Silva (@evansilva) October 23, 2012

---End of Update---



UPDATE: Sunday, Oct. 21 at 11:57 a.m. ET by Patrick Clarke

Dallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray is inactive for Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers according to The Associated Press' Steve Reed via Twitter:

WR Dez Bryant is active. DAL inactives: Chris Jones, Colee Beasley, DeMarco Murray, Matt Johnson, Kyle Wilber, David Arkin, Sean Lissemore. — Steve Reed (@SteveReedAP) October 21, 2012

---End of Update---

UPDATE: Thursday, Oct. 18 at 1:30 p.m. ET by Matt Fitzgerald



ESPNDallas.com's Calvin Watkins has the latest report on Murray from Cowboys practice:

Running back DeMarco Murray missed his second day of practice on Thursday with a sprained foot, leaving little doubt now that Felix Jones will start at Carolina on Sunday.

A porous Baltimore Ravens rush defense allowed over 200 yards rushing to Dallas last week. If fullback Lawrence Vickers is used more as a lead blocker, Felix Jones and Phillip Tanner should manage to play well in Murray's absence. Of course, it's not ideal for the Cowboys to have their starter out in a game where the season is on the line.

Unless something changes drastically, Murray's sprained foot will keep him out for Week 7.

---End of Update---

UPDATE: Tuesday, Oct. 16 at 6:20 p.m. ET by Tim Keeney

As of now, there is a bit of a disagreement as to when DeMarco Murray will make his return (via ESPN's Ed Werder):

Cowboys concerned DeMarco Murray foot injury could result in multi-game absence but player tells teammates he will play vs Giants next week — Ed Werder (@Edwerderespn) October 16, 2012

As a rule of thumb, players are usually over-confident about returning from an injury, but it's not always out of question that they'll return when they say they'll return. Nonetheless, with so much uncertainty, it would be smart to temper expectations about when the dynamic young running back will get back on the playing field.

---End of update---

UPDATE: Tuesday, October 16 at 11:03 a.m. ET by Brandon Galvin

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones announced that RB DeMarco Murray (foot) won't play in Week 7, according to Dallas Morning News' Brandon George.

Running back DeMarco Murray won’t play Sunday at Carolina... team owner Jerry Jones said Tuesday morning on his weekly radio show on KRLD-FM 105.3.... ...Murray’s MRI showed ligament damage in his sprained left foot but didn’t show any broken bones. He will be evaluated on a week-to-week basis. Murray was hurt late in the second quarter. He ran the ball once in the third quarter to see if he could go, but the Cowboys decided to pull him from the game. 'I think we were encouraged that his sprain was not any more serious than it is,' Jones said. 'He’s a tough guy. I regret that we’re not going to have him against Carolina, which looks obvious. I’m encouraged that we’re going to have him as we move along. He’s playing outstanding. He’s going to get better and better.' The bottom line with Murray is that he could miss a few weeks, but the Cowboys are relieved that he didn’t suffer a season-ending injury.

---END OF UPDATE---

UPDATE: Monday, October 15 at 3:11 p.m. ET by Brandon Galvin

Terrible news continues to trickle out of Dallas regarding DeMarco Murray and his foot injury. Fort Worth Star-Telegram's Clarence Hill Jr. has the latest regarding Murray's status:

According to a source, demarco Murray will not play against panthers. Still waiting MRI results on sprained foot. But a no go sunday — Clarence Hill (@clarencehilljr) October 15, 2012

---END OF UPDATE---



UPDATE: Monday, October 15 at 2:32 p.m. ET by Brandon Galvin

Awful news out of Big D for Cowboys fans and fantasy owners as it appears Dallas fears DeMarco Murray suffered ligament damage in Week 6 against the Ravens. ESPNDallas.com's Todd Archer has the latest:

The Cowboys fear running back DeMarco Murray suffered ligament damage in his foot but not a season-ending Lisfranc injury, according to sources. The X-rays taken at Baltimore from Sunday's 31-29 loss to the Ravens were negative, but Murray is undergoing an MRI Monday morning and the results are not yet known... ...After the game, Murray said he wanted to return, and he was not in a walking boot.

---END OF UPDATE---

UPDATE: Sunday, Oct. 14, at 6:00 p.m. ET by Ben Chodos

The initial tests provided positive news for DeMarco Murray and the Dallas Cowboys.

CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora reported via Twitter that Murray's foot was not broken, but the injury will be further evaluated.

Looks like sprained foot for Dallas RB DeMarco Murray. X-rays negative and MRI scheduled for Monday. Stay with @cbssports.com for updates — Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) October 14, 2012

The 2-3 Cowboys are certainly hoping that Murray will not miss significant time as the team will need its explosive running back as it tries to avoid falling further down the standings.

---End of update---





NFL.com's Gregg Rosenthal passes along what little is known about his injury, which Murray apparently sustained in the first half of the Cowboys' Week 6 contest against the Baltimore Ravens:

Demarco Murray on the sideline to start 2nd half. Foot injury. Uncertain how serious. — gregg rosenthal (@greggrosenthal) October 14, 2012

It is a good sign that Murray is on the sideline. The fact that he isn't being rushed off for testing, or on crutches and wrapped in ice, would point towards the fact that the injury is not serious.

It is always tough to tell with a foot injury, though. Those things are sneaky. A player can walk off the field with barely a limp only to have it revealed they've suffered the dreaded Lisfranc—and that would be the last thing the Cowboys need.

While Felix Jones is a more-than-capable backup, he is not the kind of back who can withstand a season of abuse from opposing defense—and this Dallas rush offense needs all hands on deck.

The team entered the game 30th in rushing yards per game and 28th in yards per rush. The woes of this running game belong to the Cowboys' faltering offensive line, but the group is not without promise. And when the unit does open up holes, it needs healthy and fresh backs to hit them.

All of this only serves to highlight the frustration that Murray and the Cowboys must be feeling over this injury. This running game was finally starting to produce.

Before being forced to the sidelines, Murray had carried the ball 14 times for 93 yards, and that was only half of the Cowboys' production. At the time of writing, Felix Jones has also added 14 carries for 81 yards.

These results are a promising sign for the Cowboys, but Murray being relegated to the sidelines is anything but.