DeMarco Murray, Steven Jackson Injury Updates
Roman Harper (41) tackles Atlanta Falcons running back Steven Jackson (39) during the second half of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Saints defeated the Falcons 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
The Dallas Cowboys are reportedly not sold on DeMarco Murray as the team’s franchise back, and that’s almost certainly due to Murray’s status as one of the most injury-prone backs in the league. That undermines his talent, and the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported earlier today that the Cowboys could be looking for a back at the trade deadline as a result. Murray suffered an MCL sprain in last week’s game and is not playing today after being listed doubtful.
FOX Sports’s Jay Glazer reports that Murray has a Grade 2 sprain, which means that his status for next week’s game against the Detroit Lions is also squarely in doubt. Keep a close eye on Murray going forward, and also keep a close eye on any potential trade rumors involving the Dallas Cowboys. If Joseph Randle plays well today, then expect the Cowboys to roll with him as the starter next week if DeMarco Murray is a no-go.
Atlanta Falcons running back Steven Jackson has been out since suffering a hamstring injury in Week 2 against the St. Louis Rams, and the injury has been more severe than expected. Jackson’s injury has put a real strain on a Falcons offense that could be falling apart due to injuries, and Jackson was expected to be a key player as the team’s workhorse/feature back (he looked good in Week 1). But Jackson has been unable to get onto the field due to the injury, and hamstring injuries are always tricky for veteran backs. Jay Glazer reports that Jackson actually had a setback this week, so that only makes matters significantly worse. It’s been a nightmare season for Jackson and the Falcons, and we can only hope he is able to get back on the field soon. Until then, it’s up to a committee of fellow Oregon State alumn Jacquizz Rodgers and Jason Snelling to get the job done.
You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter for more NFL updates and analysis @SorianoJoe. Be sure to like us on Facebook here and follow our site on Twitter as well.