DeMarco Murray/Felix Jones Fantasy News 2012/2013

HacheMan · Jun 7, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>DeMarco Murray - RB - Cowboys </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">DeMarco Murray (ankle) has been a full participant in all nine of the Cowboys' spring practices.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Murray has proven that he's well past his December ankle surgery. "He's taking every rep he's supposed to take and hasn't missed a beat," running backs coach Skip Peete said. Per the team's official website, Murray looks "as quick and as explosive" as he did last year. He'll enter camp as the clear No. 1 running back.
Jun. 7 - 6:47 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Source: Dallas Morning News</td></tr></tbody></table>

HacheMan · Jul 24, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Felix Jones - RB - Cowboys </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Felix Jones (shoulder surgery) has been cleared for training camp.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Jones was able to run and walk through offseason practices, but was kept out of passing drills because he couldn't lift his arm. He insists his body feels good and is ready for practices. Expected to be the sidekick to starter DeMarco Murray, Jones is ranked No. 47 among running backs in Rotoworld's Draft Guide.
Jul. 24 - 3:02 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Source: Fort Worth Star-Telegram</td></tr></tbody></table>

HacheMan · Jul 30, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td>Felix Jones - RB - Cowboys </td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Felix Jones failed his conditioning test, and will be limited to "remedial" running for the time being.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Recovering from shoulder surgery, Jones was medically cleared for camp, but isn't in good enough shape to practice. Players usually pass what are typically arbitrary conditioning tests just a few days after being "failed," but it's still a poor sign for Jones' 2012 prospects. He's Rotoworld's No. 48 running back.
Jul. 30 - 3:08 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter</td></tr></tbody></table>

HacheMan · Aug 9, 2012

Dez Bryant Fantasy News 2012/2013

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td class="bodyCopy">According to ESPN Dallas, it's "hard not to say" Dez Bryant has been the best offensive player in Cowboys camp.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">We're not surprised in the least. Finally in peak physical condition and showing tangible improvement as a route runner, Bryant has dominated cornerbacks throughout camp. He's ranked 10th among fantasy receivers in the Rotoworld Draft Guide.
Aug. 9 - 1:34 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Source: ESPN Dallas</td></tr></tbody></table>

HacheMan · Aug 16, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td class="bodyCopy">According to Fox Sports Southwest's Matt Mosley, Cowboys RB DeMarco Murray has been "the most impressive offensive player to watch in training camp."</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Most outlets have placed Dez Bryant atop the list, but Murray has been a close second. Already emerging as an offensive leader in just his second season, Murray has impressed with his "inordinately accomplished" blocking skills, receiving ability and "craving" for contact on inside runs. Murray is locked in as the feature back, with Felix Jones expected to see no more than "six or seven carries per game." The interior of the offensive line remains the primary fantasy concern for Murray.
Aug. 16 - 3:47 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Source: Fox Sports Southwest</td></tr></tbody></table>

HacheMan · Aug 16, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td class="bodyCopy">Felix Jones has reportedly been unimpressive at Cowboys camp.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Jones started off on the wrong foot by failing his conditioning test at the start of camp. Since then, he's been thoroughly outplayed by clear starter DeMarco Murray. ESPN Dallas suggests that previous leg injuries have taken their toll on Jones' burst.
Aug. 16 - 10:13 a.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Source: ESPN Dallas</td></tr></tbody></table>

HacheMan · Aug 21, 2012

<table width="100%" align="center"><tbody><tr vAlign="top"><td class="subHead" vAlign="top" colSpan="3">Dez returning for opener 'without a doubt' </td></tr><tr vAlign="top"><td class="vaLabel" colSpan="3">Dez Bryant - WR - DAL - Aug. 21 - 3:16 p.m. ET </td></tr><tr><td vAlign="top" colSpan="3">Dez Bryant (knee tendinitis) fully expects to be on the field for the NFL opener versus the Giants.
"You know I'm going to play in New York," said Bryant. "That's without a doubt." Bryant and the Cowboys are downplaying this week's knee soreness, suggesting the injury is no more worrisome than a "day-to-day" designation. While the tendinitis does serve as a reminder that Bryant's physical playing style often leads to trips to the trainers table, it's not serious enough to change his fantasy outlook.
Source: ESPN Dallas
</td></tr></tbody></table>

HacheMan · Aug 22, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td class="bodyCopy">ESPN Dallas' Tim MacMahon stated on SportsCenter Wednesday that he'd be "stunned" if Dez Bryant (knee) missed Week 1.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">"This is really just a soreness issue," MacMahon confirmed, referring to Bryant's patalla tendinitis. Bryant will be held out of the preseason's remainder as a precaution, with Dallas' September 5 opener against the Giants as the target date for his return. We like Bryant as a second-round fantasy pick in 2012.
Aug. 22 - 4:30 p.m. ET</td></tr></tbody></table>

HacheMan · Aug 22, 2012

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td class="bodyCopy">ESPN Dallas' Todd Archer acknowledges that Felix Jones will make the Cowboys' final roster, but insists his on-field play has been as unimpressive as previous reports suggest.</td></tr><tr><td>

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Jones has looked a step or two slow in practices and preseason games. "That Jones burst has been missing for a lot of camp," Archer writes, adding you wouldn't know the player was Felix Jones without his No. 28 jersey. Coach Jason Garrett says Jones is still trying to get in shape after failing his conditioning test to open training camp. We'd certainly look elsewhere for RB3 options.
Aug. 22 - 2:40 p.m. ET</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">

</td></tr><tr><td class="vaLink">Source: ESPN Dallas</td></tr></tbody></table>

HacheMan · Oct 14, 2012

Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett insisted that he wants to run the ball more and have a more balanced attack.

"We want to be a balanced attack. There is no question about that," Garrett said. "That’s when we're at our best... I think at different times we've done some good things in the running game, but we just haven’t been as consistent and efficient with our execution." The problem for the Cowboys has been that they've fallen too far behind this season and have been forced to throw the ball. Dallas has the fourth-lowest run-to-pass ratio in the league, and the offensive line play has been abysmal. DeMarco Murray gets a crack at the Ravens in Week 6, who rank No. 20 in the league in run defense and gave up 214 yards on the ground to the Chiefs last week.

Source: Baltimore Sun
Oct 14 - 8:11 AM

HacheMan · Oct 15, 2012

ESPN's Ed Werder reports DeMarco Murray (foot) is "doubtful" to play in Week 7 against the Panthers.

After such a promising first half Sunday against Baltimore, this will be a missed opportunity for Murray to turn his slow-starting season around. The Cowboys will likely turn to Felix Jones as their primary back in the favorable run-defense matchup, and Jones will be the best waiver-wire addition in fantasy leagues this week. More of a power back and inside runner, Phillip Tanner could also get a fistful of carries against Carolina.

Related: Felix Jones

Source: Ed Werder on Twitter
Oct 15 - 5:06 PM

HacheMan · Oct 16, 2012

According to ESPN's Ed Werder, Cowboys RB DeMarco Murray (foot) is telling teammates he will play versus the Giants in Week 8.

Players are often overly optimistic on their injury outlooks, and Werder confirms the Cowboys are concerned that Murray's injury could sideline him for multiple weeks. Murray did try to re-enter the game at Baltimore after suffering the injury, so it's no surprise that he's pushing to play through the injury. Owner/GM Jerry Jones has already ruled Murray out for Week 7 at Carolina. Felix Jones remains the No. 1 waiver pickup this week.
Related: Felix Jones

Source: Ed Werder on Twitter
Oct 16 - 5:54 PM

HacheMan · Oct 17, 2012

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Saints are "uncertain" whether Jimmy Graham (ankle) will be active for Week 7.

It's beginning to sound like Graham suffered a high-ankle sprain in Week 5. Graham played through the injury against the Chargers, but the fact he missed today's practice coming off New Orleans' bye week would seem to rule out a garden-variety sprain. The New Orleans Times-Picayune considers Graham "very questionable" for Week 7. We'll know more on Thursday, but owners need to have a contingency plan ready.

Oct 17 - 4:46 PM

HacheMan · Oct 18, 2012

Dez Bryant has reeled in 21-of-28 targets for 200 yards and two touchdowns the past two games.

"I said this a while ago, he just continues to grow each year, each week and each month through the experiences of the game and things of that nature," QB Tony Romo said. "He continues to become a better receiver, and he's continuing to work at it really hard and he's continuing to get better." With a 28-11 target advantage over Miles Austin the past two weeks, it seems clear that we're seeing a No. 1 receiver emerge for Dallas.

Source: Dallas Morning News
Oct 18 - 4:57 PM

HacheMan · Oct 18, 2012

Felix Jones is not on the Cowboys' injury report this week.

We can't believe it, either. Jones missed a few snaps with cramping in the second half of last week's game, but came out of the season-high workload feeling fresh as a daisy. While his checkered injury history may be a concern if DeMarco Murray misses multiple games, Jones can be started with confidence in Week 7 versus a generous Panthers run defense. NFL Films analyst Greg Cosell noted that Jones "ran hard inside" at Baltimore as Murray's replacement.

Oct 18 - 4:35 PM

HacheMan · Oct 23, 2012

Appearing on Sports Center, ESPN's Ed Werder said he's been told it's "doubtful" that DeMarco Murray (foot) will play versus the Giants in Week 8.

Werder is the one national writer with the most access to Cowboys sources, so he's a trustworthy voice. The results of Murray's Monday tests have yet to be revealed, but it seems the ligament damage still needs time to heal. "Fragile" Felix Jones suffered a bruised knee last week, though we've yet to see concern that the injury will keep him out versus the Giants. Phillip Tanner would be the next man up if Jones does miss time.
Related: Felix Jones, Phillip Tanner

Oct 23 - 1:51 PM

HacheMan · Oct 24, 2012

Felix Jones (knee bruise) did not practice Wednesday.

"Fragile" Felix is just getting a rest day after sustaining minor neck and knee injuries last week. He's still expected to start Sunday's game against the Giants. DeMarco Murray (foot) has all but been ruled out.

Source: Todd Archer on Twitter
Oct 24 - 12:54 PM

HacheMan · Oct 24, 2012

DeMarco Murray (foot) is not expected to play in Sunday's game against the Giants.

The Cowboys haven't officially ruled Murray out yet, but that's coming soon. He's not practicing Wednesday and is still on crutches. "Oh, I think we're just being very careful about any weight that we're putting on him," coach Jason Garrett said. "The more time we give him the better." Murray is no lock to be ready for Week 9 either.

Source: Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Oct 24 - 12:28 PM

HacheMan · Nov 6, 2012

According to ESPN's Ed Werder, the Cowboys do not expect DeMarco Murray (foot) to play in Week 10.

Murray still has tests to pass before he's cleared to work out with the team. It doesn't sound like his foot is ready to pass those tests just yet. Murray's sprain continues to linger and we can't rule out a more serious injury than the Cowboys have let on. He hasn't played or practiced since going down in Week 6, nearly a month ago. Coach Jason Garrett wants Murray to practice before playing in a game. Felix Jones and Lance Dunbar figure to carry the load in Philadelphia on Sunday.

Source: Evan Silva on Twitter
Nov 6 - 10:38 AM

HacheMan · Nov 7, 2012

DeMarco Murray (foot) did not practice Wednesday.

Murray was spotted in cleats on the field, so there is a major, tangible sign of progress here. Perhaps he's going through some tests Wednesday and targeting Week 11 for his return. ESPN's Ed Werder has already reported that the Cowboys do not expect Murray to play against the Eagles this week.

Source: Todd Archer on Twitter
Nov 7 - 12:35 PM