NFL Rumors: Will Dallas Cowboys Start Lance Dunbar At Running Back?

Daniel Shirey-US PRESSWIRE

The Dallas Cowboys could not only be starting their third string center this week, but they may also be starting their third string running back as well. Lance Dunbar is preparing to be the lead runner this week against the Washington Redskins since Felix Jones has yet to practice all week as a result of not one, but two injured knees.

We’re probably getting ahead of ourselves since DeMarco Murray hasn’t been ruled out yet and Jones is listed as questionable, but the writing is on the wall for Murray, he isn’t going to play. Jones’ injuries are the only obstacles in the way of Dunbar getting his first career start. The Cowboys may be resting Jones and his multiple ailments on a short week to get him ready to play on Thanksgiving; we’ll all know by Thursday.

Any way you look at it, Dunbar is probably looking at the most playing time he’s seen in the NFL. Even if Jones does start and play, he still hasn’t proven he can make it through an entire game healthy. To his credit, Dunbar says he’s ready for the opportunity.

“I think I’ll be ready,” Dunbar said. “I’ve been here long enough to learn the offense and my assignments to help my team win and do whatever they need me to do whenever they need me to do.”

There should be no worries when Dunbar carries the ball, he’s been solid in that respect going all the way back to the preseason. The biggest issue the Cowboys may have in Dunbar is with pass protection. Dunbar doesn’t have the experience as a pass protector and Tony Romo got in Dunbar’s face last week when he missed his assignment. His inexperience in that area is magnified because of the Cowboys porous offensive line.

So whether you’re eating your turkey dinner or if you’ve just finished when the Dallas Cowboys host the rival Redskins on Thanksgiving, you should expect to get a whole helping full of Lance Dunbar.

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