IRVING, Texas – The Cowboys were hoping to see more of the explosiveness they saw from Lance Dunbar in Saturday's loss to the Cardinals, minus his costly fumble at the end of the 43-yard reception.
However, they won't see anything from Dunbar in for a few weeks, possibly a month because of a sprained left foot that has him not only missing Monday's practice, but in a walking boot.
The early timetable for Dunbar's absence is 3-4 weeks. While two injuries are never the same, last year, DeMarco Murray missed six games because of a sprained foot.
Dunbar is expected to have a big role in the offense as the No. 2 back. The Cowboys plan to use him out of the backfield often and perhaps their third-down back.
In the game Saturday in Arizona, Dunbar twice showcased his speed and quickness. His 43-yard catch in the open field was marred by a lost fumble inside the 10-yard line. He also had an 18-yard reception over the middle where he outran the defender to the sideline.
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With Dunbar now expected to be out until the first couple of weeks of the regular season, this injury should affect how many backs the Cowboys keep on the roster.
Behind Murray and Dunbar, the Cowboys will certainly keep fifth-round pick Joseph Randle, a rookie from Oklahoma State. But now Phillip Tanner might have a better shot of making it. Tanner played on special teams last week but did not get any snaps at tailback.
