There’s a whole lot of discussion circulating the confines of Cowboys Nation about how much a certain back-up player for America’s Team should play this Sunday in a – for all intents and purposes – meaningless game in Philadelphia.
The discussion you and I are about to have isn’t about Tony Romo (my fellow Staff Writer Kevin Brady covered that right here), but about running back Darren McFadden. DMC missed practice on Friday due to illness, but there is still hope that he can indeed play on Sunday.
Cowboys RB Darren McFadden isn't practicing today because he is sick.
— Brandon George (@DMN_George) December 30, 2016
The Cowboys boast the NFL’s leading rusher (and MVP if my vote counts) in Ezekiel Elliott, and they will surely look to rest him at some point in Week 17. The easy thought was that his primary back-up, Darren McFadden, would get those snaps and everything would be great. This works out particularly well because Darren McFadden has only played in two games this season after coming off the NFI list.
Darren McFadden has looked somewhat solid in his 17 carries over the last two weeks. The Cowboys have stunned us all at this position over this time as they’ve chosen to waive Darius Jackson – a move that ruffled a lot of fans’ feathers – and leave Alfred Morris inactive.
If DMC truly cannot play in Philadelphia due to illness, it makes sense that Alfred Morris would see a bulk of the carries once Zeke pulls the pads off. Morris has carried the ball 61 times for 231 yards and a pair of touchdowns this season, and it’s been odd how much he’s seemingly fallen off over the last six weeks or so.
Perhaps McFadden’s illness will be a blessing in disguise that would afford the Cowboys the opportunity to get more work all around, equally preparing everyone for a postseason run. Heal up soon, DMC. Get some chicken noodle soup!
