Confirmed: DeMarco Murray’s foot is sprained
The MRI images on DeMarco Murray's foot injury are in, and the Dallas running back has avoided a worst-case scenario. Details here from the team's website:
The Cowboys received some positive news regarding running back DeMarco Murray on Monday, learning the injury is nothing more than the initial diagnosis of a foot sprain.
The MRI results showed no broken bones, but some ligament damage that could be enough to sideline Murray for this week's game in Carolina, and possibly longer.
Murray's foot isn't fractured, and it's not, um...Lisfranc'd. So that's a relief.
Still, he's dealing with ligament damage, perhaps significant enough to sideline him for the Panthers game in Week 7. Felix Jones is the obvious add — he gained 92 yards on 18 carries at Baltimore on Sunday — and Phillip Tanner is the stealth/deep-league pickup. The fantasy community has a long and complicated relationship with Felix, so I'm sure you're all aware of his fleas. For a week, I'd be willing to rely on him, assuming Murray can't play. Jones was a mess early in the season, but he looked lively enough against the Ravens. Tanner should see a few touches (7-10?) in a supporting role at Carolina.
For what it's worth, Murray suggested on Sunday that he'd wanted to return in the second half at Baltimore, particularly after Felix checked out with cramps:
"I wanted to, but I have to do what's best for the whole team. It's a long season."
DeMarco reportedly didn't leave the stadium in a walking boot, another decent sign. Let's just hope he can make it back relatively soon, at full strength. Murray is easily the team's best backfield option — we resolved that debate last year — and there are several appealing match-ups remaining on Dallas' schedule, including a Week 16 tilt with New Orleans.
For now, we place our $25-$29 bids on Felix, and we wait. (If you're going $30, he's yours. I'm out. Hell, I don't have $30 left in many leagues anyway). This is a massive and unexpected opportunity for Jones, a free agent in 2013. And when has he ever squandered an opportunity in the NFL? Never. What could possibly go wrong?
