The Dallas Cowboys are running out of running backs.
Felix Jones missed practice Tuesday because of hamstring tightness, leaving the team with two running backs -- Sammy Morris and Chauncey Washington -- who weren't even on an NFL roster a few weeks ago.
Cowboys coach Jason Garrett said Tuesday he's hopeful that Jones will be able to practice some this week and be ready for Saturday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Jones, who missed four games with a high ankle sprain, has taken back the lead role with back-to-back 100-yard games after rookie DeMarco Murray went on season-ending injured reserve with a fractured ankle.
If not, Morris likely would be the starter only one week after the 12-year NFL veteran was signed and made his season debut behind Jones with 12 carries for 53 yards against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last Saturday. Morris split time at practice Tuesday with Washington, who signed with the Cowboys' practice squad Nov. 30.
"Sammy is the most logical choice, so he got a lot of the work (Tuesday), and we have another young back on our practice roster (Washington), so he'll get a chance to do some of that, too," Garrett said. "That's kind of the plan right now, but we're hopeful that Felix will be able to practice as the week goes on."
Garrett didn't say which hamstring was bothering Jones, who wasn't in the locker room when it was open to reporters.
"He feels good," Garrett said. "He just had this little tightness in his hamstring, so we didn't think it was a good idea to have him practice."
Linebacker DeMarcus Ware (stinger) and offensive tackle Tyron Smith (stringer) participated in practice, according to the team's official website.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
