IRVING, Texas – DeMarco Murray isn't worried about the recent, uncharacteristic fumbles he's endured the past two weeks.
The running back hadn't lost a fumble in his NFL career before coughing the ball up inside the red zone two weeks ago against the Steelers. He fumbled again the next week against the Saints on the Cowboys' 7-yard line.
"Doesn't bother me at all," Murray said of the fumbles. "Last week was last week. Two weeks was two weeks ago. I don't worry about mistakes. … I have a short term memory, good, bad, negative, positive, I just move on."
Murray understands the importance of ball security and winning the turnover battles, but he said the fumbles start coming in bunches when players think about them too much. Instead, he wants to move on and focus entirely on a Redskins opponent he wasn't healthy enough to face five weeks ago in the first meeting between the teams.
The Cowboys ran for only 35 yards against Washington earlier in the year, as Murray could only watch with a sprained foot. Felix Jones led all Dallas running backs with six carries and just 14 yards, as the Cowboys played from behind all game.
Murray said he feels as healthy as he's been since returning from the foot injury. After missing last season's finale with a chance at playoffs in sight, he's ready to contribute this time around.
"I remember last year sitting at home, foot elevated and watching on TV, it was hard," Murray said. "But I'm excited, I'm very blessed and fortunate to be a part of this game and just happy that I'm here to help my teammates and grind with them and see what happens."
Murray has rushed for at least 80 yards in two of the four games since his return. If nothing else, he hopes his presence can open up the play-action game and make things easier for Tony Romo this weekend.
"It's always stressful not being out there with your teammates and not playing, no matter if it's preseason, practice or anything. For me, as a competitor and how much I love this team and I love football, it's hard to watch."
The offense is getting prepared for the chilly conditions Sunday by practicing outside in the freezing Texas weather. Murray said ball security hasn't been a problem this week in practice, and he's ready for an increased role if the weather dictates a stronger reliance on a rushing attack.
He said this weekend will be the coldest game he's played in.
"I can't think of a game where it was (this) cold, dating back to Oklahoma," Murray said, "but I'm excited. It's going to be a good game."
