DeMarco Murray will be considered day to day after undergoing hand surgery on Monday. But on Wednesday, Cowboys coach Jason Garrett outlined some of the benchmarks they hope to see their star running back hit before determining his status for Sunday.
That included observations from Wednesday's practice, where Murray was going through drills and catching passes. Murray officially was listed with a did not participate designation following practice.
"I think we need to see something," Garrett told reporters Wednesday. "There's a comfort level that we all have and certainly a comfort level that he has. Carrying the football is an important responsibility, so you have to be able to do it. I think we all want to see it and I know he wants to see it. So we'll take it day by day and see how he progresses."
Murray had some protection issues before getting some serious repairs on his left hand, and even though he carries the ball predominantly with his right, there are inevitable situations during a game when he'll need to cross over.
Owner Jerry Jones thinks running back is Dallas' deepest position on the roster, and despite saying that Murray could play, he didn't seem concerned about letting Joseph Randle and Lance Dunbar handle the bulk of the load.
Dallas might opt for a safer route if they don't see Murray operating with some level of comfort. A key fumble against the Colts could swing the division right back into Philadelphia's laps.
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