DeMarco Murray able to do some work today

Dallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray (29) runs for a short gain during the first half against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Dallas Cowboys RB DeMarco Murray is probably going to be out another week with an MCL sprain, but there are some who are optimistic that Murray can play through the injury this week against the Detroit Lions. Murray suffered the injury in the second quarter of the Week 6 win over the Washington Redskins, and Joseph Randle has been the starter since then. He could still hold onto the starting gig even with Lance Dunbar set to return from an injury, but it is unlikely that Murray gets back this week.

But again, there is some hope that he can play this week, and that was reflected yesterday by Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. Now, ESPN Dallas’s Todd Archer reports that DeMarco Murray was able to get some rehab work in during today’s practice, and that’s an encouraging sign. Murray has a history of injuries, though, so the Cowboys should be cautious not to bring him back too quickly and risk a setback. But Murray is important to the Cowboys balance on offense, and both he and the Cowboys will likely do as much as they can to put him in a position to play against the Lions.

Murray’s workload will steadily increase throughout the week, and we’ll have a good idea whether or not he plays once Friday rolls around. The Cowboys can push him, but they should be careful not to much him too hard, especially if they are concerned enough with his health problems to be mulling a potential trade (as reported on Sunday by the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport). The fact that he is at least getting some work today is great news for the Cowboys and fantasy owners alike.

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