IRVING, Texas – Cowboys owner/GM Jerry Jones sounds very optimistic that running Felix Jones will return from a four-game absence Sunday against the Redskins. But what role will the opening-game starter have now that rookie DeMarco Murray has rushed for more yards in the last four games (601) than any Cowboys back ever in that span?
"One thing that comes to my mind is that Murray looks like the more he carries, the more effective he gets," Jones said Tuesday during his weekly appearance on KRLD-FM in Dallas. "You think of that theoretically about a workhorse running back, that they get better as the game goes along.
"Felix, and this is not negative in any way, but Felix has always been a guy that looks like the best way for him to be his best is to inject him in spots. And so we may have a guy here in Murray who can carry a lot of carries and we may have a guy here in Felix who can step in there 12, 13 times a ball game and really have a chance to break it."
That's a strong indication that Murray won't be losing too many touches to Jones, who still must show in practice this week that he's fully recovered from his high ankle sprain.
Head coach Jason Garrett has declined to speculate on the running back rotation once Jones returns. But he has maintained that both can be an integral part of the offense. Jones, who averaged 4.0 yards per carry before getting hurt in Week 6 against New England, was developing into a versatile threat last year with 800 rushing yards and 48 receptions.
Both could even be used together in certain formations without taking too much time away from fullback Tony Fiammetta, whose blocking has been a major factor in Murray's success.
But Jones has to get back on the field first, and that could be very soon.
