Dallas Cowboys: Is Knowshon Moreno worth a shot?

Let’s face it, the Dallas Cowboys have the best offensive line in the entire NFL, especially with the offseason additions they’ve made. Now, the question is: what else should they do at the running back position?

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One route is to use a platoon of rushers who can carry the load, those rushers being veteran free agent running backs who might have had their best days in the past, but still might have a year or two left in the tank in a platoon role.

Would you like to know a running back who fits that description … Knowshon Moreno, who last played for the Miami Dolphins in 2014.

Moreno is 28 years old but is still rehabbing his ACL injury, so there are still some recovery time issues when it comes to his availability.

WalterFootball.com has compiled a free agent running back list where he has Moreno as the best free agent back listed without a current NFL team, writing:

"“Knowshon Moreno looked great during the early stages of the season, but tore his ACL in October. Injuries have always been an issue for Moreno, but when he’s healthy, he’s a very strong, all-around back.”"

Moreno had just 31 carries before his injury last October, but in those carries he totaled 148 yards and one touchdown. For his career, he’s amassed 876 carries for 3,616 yards and 27 touchdowns.

In his first season with the Dolphins, Moreno averaged 4.8 yards per carry, and for his career, he’s averaging 4.1 yards per carry.

With Moreno, what seems to be an issue his entire career is his health because in 2011 while with the Denver Broncos he played in just seven games, and in ’12 he played in eight games. The only time he’s played a full 16-game season was in 2013, which was also his only 1,000-yard rushing season with 1,038 yards on 241 carries and 10 touchdowns.

Dec 21, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Darren McFadden (20) runs the ball against the Buffalo Bills in the fourth quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Bills 26-24. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Now, I know the “new” Cowboys offensive line is untested with the addition of La’el Collins and even third-round pick Chaz Green if he becomes a mainstay on the line. However, last year the Cowboys’ offensive line blocked for over 2,000 yards of rushing. If they use a platoon of Darren McFadden, Joseph Randle and a third running back this season, I believe they could have no less than 2,000 yards again.

For argument’s sake, let’s say the Cowboys would be interested in Moreno once he’s fully recovered. What doesn’t worry me is him being forced to carry a full workload, and the same can be said for the rest of the backs on the Cowboys’ roster as well.

We know McFadden can’t handle the entire load of carries, but he’s still dependable in a platoon role. None of us are sure what Randle brings to the table as a full-time ball carrier, and Moreno could be physically unable to have a massive number of carries as well.

Put them together, and I believe that trio of backs could cause a lot of damage for the Cowboys behind their stellar offensive line, but a lot of that thinking comes down to the health of Moreno. So is he worth the chance if the Cowboys decide to stay with a platoon of running backs in ’15?

If he’s medically cleared and the Cowboys stay on the running back by committee track, yes, Moreno would be very much worth taking a chance on for the ’15 season once he becomes healthy enough to play. If healthy Moreno could be a difference maker for the Cowboys.

Next: Should the Cowboys sign Chris Johnson?

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