Cowboys Lose Murray For Season

Added on Dec 13, 2011 by Scott in

NFL

The Cowboys fading playoff hopes took another hit today after it was revealed rookie running back DeMarco Murray’s season is over. Murray suffered a fractured right ankle in Sunday night’s last-second defeat to the rival Giants. He has been placed on injured reserve and will need surgery to repair the break. The thinning Dallas backfield is now down to the brittle Felix Jones and newly acquired veteran Sammy Morris.

Murray, a third-round pick in April’s draft, was a pleasant surprise in 2011 once he was elevated to a starting role after Felix Jones suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 6. In seven starts, he ran for 827 yards and two touchdowns and caught 22 passes for 160 yards. This included 253 yards in his first start against St. Louis, which set a team record and ranks as the second most rushing yards by a rookie runner.

More importantly, Dallas went 5-2 in games he started and finished. He provided them a legitimate inside power runner capable of breaking big plays, something the duo of Jones and Tashard Choice weren’t doing early in the season, or in 2010 for that matter.

To his credit, Jones looked spry in relief of Murray, rushing for 106 yards and hauling in six receptions for 31 yards. His talent has never been in question, but his durability has always been a concern. He’s already endured shoulder and ankle ailments this season and has a history of not being able to stay healthy.

The Cowboys will face three suspect rush defenses in their final three games versus Tampa Bay, Philadelphia and a rematch with the Giants. “America’s Team” will probably have to win out to qualify for the postseason, so keeping Jones out of the trainer’s room is imperative.

The 34-year-old Sammy Morris joins the team after being released by the Patriots. He has yet to register a carry this season.

Source: NFL.com