From an outsider's perspective, it would appear Dallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray has gone and Wally Pipp'd Felix Jones right out of a starting job.
Since Jones went down with a high ankle sprain in Week 6, Murray has rushed for 466 yards in just three starts. He set a Cowboys record with 253 rushing yards in a Week 6 win over the St. Louis Rams. Last Sunday, Murray piled up 186 total yards in a win over the Seahawks.
Despite his elite level of production, Murray isn't ready to anoint himself The Man in Big D.
"I don't know what the coaches are going to do, but from my understanding I think he's still the starter," Murray said Thursday, according to the Cowboys' official site. "(Jones is) a great running back, and he was doing a great job before he went down."
A "great job" might be pushing it. Jones was a steady producer while in the lineup -- rushing for 253 yards and a touchdown on 63 carries -- but was nowhere near the home run threat Murray has been since he stepped in.
Murray probably doesn't have to worry about losing his job this week. Jones missed practice for a second straight day on Thursday and will likely be sidelined for a fourth straight game. That would clear the way for Murray to provide another showcase of his talents on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills.
"I'm expecting (Jones) to come back in and do what he's been doing, which is great," Murray said, "but that doesn't mean I'm not going to continue to compete and try to help out as much as I can."
Murray is showing respect for his teammate, but Jason Garrett would need to have his head examined if Jones' return meant Murray was sent back to the bench.
