While running back Chauncey Washington said Thursday he hasn't been informed of anything, it's likely he will be moved up from the practice squad this week and will play against the Eagles Saturday at Cowboys Stadium.
To do that, the Cowboys will have to make room on the 53-man roster.
Not only does the team have just two running backs on the active roster, but one of which hasn't practiced all week in Felix Jones, who is still the projected starter despite his nagging strained hamstring injury. The other back is 34-year-old veteran Sammy Morris, who was signed off the street last week and had 12 carries for 53 yards – the only carries he's had since the preseason when he was a member of the Patriots.
With Jones not practicing all week, Washington has taken the backup reps behind Morris. Still, the Cowboys are hopeful Jones will be ready to face the Eagles.
But adding Washington to the roster also makes sense because of his special-teams skills. Morris played on a few kicking game packages last week but if he is asked to shoulder more of the load at tailback, Washington would then replace him on special teams.
"It's all about staying ready," said Washington, who has only played in six career games, including two with the Cowboys in 2009. "They haven't said anything yet. But I'm keeping myself mentally prepared. That's what you're supposed to do every week."
Washington started his career in Jacksonville in 2008, when he played for special teams coordinator Joe DeCamillis with the Jags. He followed DeCamillis to the Cowboys for a short stint on both the roster and practice squad and briefly spent some time with the Rams last year.
Washington has only four career carries for nine yards and one reception for nine yards.
