If there is someone who knows how to start fast, it would be DeMarco Murray. As a freshman at Oklahoma, the electrifying running back wasted no time in making his mark, scoring five touchdowns in his collegiate debut against North Texas. In fact, Murray took the opening kickoff of the game for a touchdown.
Not to say Murray will be that dynamic as he starts off his professional career, but he could certainly use a fast start, considering his first practice is in the final stages of August.
Murray had his first NFL practice of any kind Tuesday morning in a light walk-through at Cowboys Stadium. He will be in full uniform later in the afternoon for a full-padded practice. The rookie from OU passed his physical on Monday and has officially been cleared to practice.
"I'm definitely behind but I have confidence that I can pick it up fast" Murray said. "I've been taking mental reps in practice and meetings. There are no excuses now."
Murray isn't the only running back returning to the field. Tashard Choice has been out with a calf injury he suffered on the first day of training camp practice in San Antonio.
Together, Murray and Choice instantly add depth to a running back position that begins with Felix Jones, who seems to be transitioning nicely into the starting role.
But backups Lonyae Miller and Phillip Tanner are also turning some heads and making a push for a roster spot.
Murray's spot is more than safe, but how fast he picks up the offense will likely determine what the Cowboys do with Choice.
Head coach Jason Garrett wouldn't give a timetable for Murray to play in a game. He didn't rule out Saturday's game against Minnesota and said Murray would return kickoffs, something he could possibly do as early as this week.
"Right now, I just want to contribute," he said. "I've been away for so long. I'll be ready for whatever they throw at me."
And at this point, he should expect that number to be quite a bit.
