DeMarco Murray misses Thursday practice; make alternate fantasy plans
The Cowboys running back is almost certainly out for Sunday and could miss more time. We break down the fantasy implications.
Layne Murdoch
Dallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray missed practice Thursday, according to ESPNDallas.com reporter Calvin Watkins. Murray, who sprained his MCL Sunday night against the Washington Redskins, will almost certainly miss Dallas' Week 7 game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Through six games this season, Murray has 428 rushing yards and three touchdowns, including a 175-yard, one-score explosion in Week 3 against St. Louis. With Lance Dunbar also hurt, the Cowboys will likely rely on Joseph Randle and Phillip Tanner in Murray's absence.
Fantasy impact: Anyone who owned Murray in fantasy really had to know this was possible-to-likely, as Murray’s injury history is extensive. Unfortunately, Dunbar was a popular handcuff pick for Murray, and with him hurt as well, the team -- and fantasy owners -- is going to look to Tanner and Randle, who have combined for only 20 total rushing yards on the year.
Against an Eagles rush defense that has allowed 105 yards a game, there is reason to think Randle, who appears to be ahead of Tanner right now, could be a decent RB2/flex play in fantasy.
Murray owners, though, really need to have an alternate plan in place, at least for this week, and possibly for subsequent weeks.
• Week 7 fantasy football rankings: QB | RB | WR | TE | D/ST
