IRVING, Texas – Darren McFadden returned to full practice participation on the first day of minicamp after being limited in recent OTAs with a strained hamstring.
"One hundred percent and ready to go play ball," he said.
With DeMarco Murray now in Philadelphia, the Cowboys' running back situation is well-documented: McFadden is competing with Joseph Randle and others for carries. He worked with the second-team offense Tuesday.
McFadden played for the Raiders in his first seven NFL seasons. During that time Oakland failed to get above 8-8 and posted five or fewer wins in five seasons.
As a free agent in March, McFadden signed a two-year deal with a chance to run behind a Cowboys offensive line that starts three All-Pros.
"There's still a lot of excitement for me," he said. "I'm looking forward to getting out there and playing with everyone. I see how hard everyone works here, so I just want to come in and do the same thing, work as hard as these guys and go out there and make plays on the field."
McFadden isn't sure what his role will be, but he's looking forward to any opportunities he gets this season, whether it's "100 carries or 300 carries."
"I just want to go out there and stay healthy and stay on the field," he said, "and everything else will take care of itself."
Sean Lee In Team Drills
Starting linebacker Sean Lee got reps in team drills for the first time this offseason, having eased his way back into practice following his return from knee surgery that cost him the entire 2014 season.
Lee began OTAs strictly in individual drills, then progressed to seven-on-seven drill work last week.[embeddedad0]
"He's out there getting work and communicating and those things," defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli said. "It's just fun to have him out there working. It's a process, and you go through a process, but it was great to see him out there."
Lawrence Comfortable At Left End
Second-year pass rusher DeMarcus Lawrence returned to practice after sitting out last week's open OTA workout due to an eye issue.
With Greg Hardy and Randy Gregory adding depth at right end, Lawrence projects as the left end starter and feels comfortable there.
"I'm right-handed, so it's just more natural putting my right hand on the ground and getting off, taking off," he said.
The first-team defense wasn't completely at full strength Tuesday. Linebacker Rolando McClain only took part in the walkthrough in his return from a knee scope, and safety J.J. Wilcox sat out with a foot injury. Linebacker Anthony Hitchens was also limited.
