Dallas Cowboys Rumors: Two Running Backs Out For Game Against San Francisco 49ers

The Dallas Cowboys are preparing to play in their second preseason game, and it’s going to be done without a few star players. On Sunday evening, the Cowboys will face off with the San Francisco 49ers, but running backs Joseph Randle and Darren McFadden are not expected to be in uniform. Yes, that means the proposed starting backfield for the Cowboys in 2015 is still out due to injuries.

It’s looking as if Gus Johnson and Lance Dunbar are going to not only get the start at running back for the Cowboys, but be the primary backs for the whole game against the 49ers.

Sports World Report has said that Joseph Randle actually “aggravated an oblique muscle” during practice this week, and the team won’t chance it with him. He is currently listed as “doubtful” for the game against San Francisco.

Randle could not finish practice on Thursday, but Darren McFadden has been getting first-team work this week. ESPN believes the spotlight is now on McFadden who missed the first 11 practices in training camp, but now could shine with Randle on the sideline.

As of Friday, McFadden was not sure if he would play against the 49ers.

“Just depends on whatever the coaches and trainers decide.”

The former Oakland Raiders’ running back is happy to be back in practice though, and he’s honestly looking better than he ever has during his time in the NFL. He’s also enjoying football too.

“Just to be able to get out there, run around, be around my teammates, it feels good to work and work on a little burst here and there.”

The Dallas Cowboys truly need to see Darren McFadden in a game and how he is able to play after years and years of injuries. It’s incredibly important that they see what he has and if it will be necessary to look at free agent running backs such as Ray Rice or Pierre Thomas before it is too late.

Even though Gus Johnson and Lance Dunbar will start at running back for the Cowboys, they won’t be the only backs getting work. Dallas did add Michael Hill and Ben Malena this week, but neither is expected to make it to the regular season.

This could be Darren McFadden’s chance to show he is ready to assume the starting running back roll for the Dallas Cowboys, but he needs to be on the field. Joseph Randle won’t play against the San Francisco 49ers, and it’s doing nothing but dropping him down the chart.

[Image via Getty Images]