The Dallas Cowboys' run game continues to be under a microscope as it has yet to look dominating in the preseason. Injuries have been a big cause for concern entering the season as both Darren McFadden and Joseph Randle continue to deal with setbacks. McFadden made his debut in the second preseason game and certainly did not blow anyone away. With Randle still out, could it be Lance Dunbar time in Dallas?
McFadden has been dealing with a hamstring injury for most of the preseason as that will likely be a headline that haunts the Cowboys throughout the year considering his history. The running back seemed pleased with his debut with the team despite having just four years on three carries. That certainly did very little to encourage fans.
"For me, I'm just glad I was able to get out there and run around with my teammates and fight with them," McFadden said, per the Dallas Morning News."We didn't get the thing accomplished that we wanted to accomplish out there but it's something that we got to come back and look at the film and try to correct these things and get better for next week."
McFadden and Randle are expected to battle for the starting spot, but with Randle out with injury the star emerging is Dunbar. The running back has been the forgotten running back this season despite quietly putting up good numbers this preseason. Following an ankle injury, Dunbar is back as the No.2 running and punt returner for the Cowboys. As the more versatile running back of the three options, putting Dunbar in would not be a bad idea if McFadden continues with these types of numbers. The Cowboys cannot afford to release him like originally assumed and they would be wise to give him more playing time.
Injuries have been the biggest setback for Dallas. Dez Bryant is dealing with a hamstring issue while Orlando Scandrick is out for the season. However, Dallas is not looking to add options at the moment. Contracts for players like Ray Rice are not being considered. Instead, the Cowboys are looking to their depth as Gus Johnson helps the run game and Byron Jones and Morris Claiborne step up to be starters for the Cowboys secondary. Will this approach work? Time will tell.
