OXNARD, Calif. –When he exploded for a team-record 253 yards against St. Louis last October, DeMarco Murray laid some heavy flattery on Jason Witten, explaining that he had tried to emulate the perennial Pro Bowler since he joined the Cowboys.
A consummate professional, Witten treats every practice snap and preseason game as if a playoff spot were on the line. Unfortunately, his commitment to one pass in the preseason opener put him in position to be clocked by Raiders linebacker Rolando McClain, the hit that presumably lacerated his spleen, an injury that could force him to be miss the season opener.
Murray certainly saw what happened, but said Wednesday that the threat of injury in a meaningless preseason game is not something that bothers him. In fact, he wants more carries.
"You can't think about that," Murray said. "I have to be out there. I want to be out there to work hard and compete at a high level. So you just can't worry about those things."
Murray was pulled after only two carries in Oakland. Starters will play a little longer on Saturday at San Diego, and perhaps to the half versus St. Louis the following week.
"I didn't even get to get my feet wet last game," Murray said. "But Coach Garrett is a great coach. He definitely understands what's necessary for the team, and I didn't question him at all. But, I'm definitely looking forward to this game and getting more reps."
