The Dallas Cowboys believe the running game will continue to thrive without DeMarco Murray. That will be difficult if the principals involved can't stay on the field.
The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported Thursday that Joseph Randle aggravated a strained oblique on Thursday that forced him to miss most of practice. His availability is in doubt for the team's second preseason game on Sunday against the 49ers.
"It's the same thing I had earlier," Randle said. "It flared up on me again. We will get it right. I always want to be out there with my teammates. I can only do what I can do. It's just something we have to keep fighting through."
The injury serves as another reminder that Randle has zero history as a running back with a serious workload in the NFL. Randle's absence means more work for Darren McFadden, who just made it back to practice last weekend after beginning training camp on the PUP list due to a strained hamstring. McFadden said Thursday "it's still unknown" when he'll be cleared for preseason action.
It's hard to find healthy bodies on the running back depth chart right now. Lance Dunbar missed the preseason opener with an ankle injury and is unlikely to see much work against the Niners. If you shelled out big bucks for Sunday's game, expect to see a lot of Gus Johnson, Ben Malena and Michael Hill.
UPDATE: Randle's setback was short-lived. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports Randle was working with the first-team offense at practice Friday.
The latest Around The NFL Podcast continues the three-part Fantasy Extravaganza and takes you behind the scenes in Cleveland with Marc Sessler.
