DeMarco Murray holds the keys to the Cowboy's offense. Will he suit up Sunday against the Colts?
The NFL's leading rusher was in attendance for Thursday's practice just three days after undergoing hand surgery.
Murray's activities mirrored his work from Wednesday, with the running back participating in pass-catching drills before stepping aside as Lance Dunbartook first-team snaps, per ESPNDallas.com. Murray again wore protection over his surgically repaired hand, but he didn't shy away from holding the ball with both mitts.
Jason Garrett told reporters before practice that he expected Murray to do more in Thursday's session, but the Cowboys coach emphasized that "watching (results from) other games won't affect" whether Murray will play against Indianapolis. Garrett insisted the Cowboys would "make the right decision by (Murray) and by our football team."
Murray confirmed, per The Dallas Morning News, that he did more in practice Thursday, adding that he'll have the final say if he plays Sunday.
If Murray can't get healthy in time for Sunday, Dallas will lean on a less-than-stellar combination of Dunbar and Joseph Randle.Â
Other injuries we're tracking on this wondrous Thursday:
- Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning only stretched at practice Thursday and left to receive treatment on his injured thigh, according to The Denver Post. Manning missed snaps against the Chargers late in the first half last week due to the injury, but returned in the second half.
- Cam Newton took first-team reps on Thursday and looked "good," per Jonathan Jones of The Charlotte Observer. Ron Rivera told reporters he's not ready to name a QB starter against the Browns yet, but the head coach said Newton is on target to start.
- Falcons wideout Julio Jones (hip) was not on the field for the beginning of Thursday's Falcons practice, per ESPN.com's Vaughn McClure. The good news for Atlanta is that Roddy White (knee) was in attendance ahead of Sunday's showdown with the New Orleans Saints.
- Colts wideout T.Y. Hilton missed his second straight practice with the hamstring injury he sustained in Sunday's win over the Texans. We anticipate him playing against the Cowboys. Right tackle Gosder Cherilus (groin) also missed the session.
- Patriots wideout Julian Edelman was back at practice after being limited Wednesday with the concussion he suffered in New England's Week 15 against the Dolphins.
- Philip Rivers (back/chest) was on the field for the start of Chargers practice Thursday, per U-T San Diego, and looked good throwing the football. Rivers said Wednesday he expects to play Saturday vs. San Francisco.
- Redskins quarterback Colt McCoy told NFL Media's Stacey Dales that he has a herniated disc in his neck. McCoy said it's an isolated injury -- not nerve related -- that he will recover from.
- Green Bay Packers right tackle Bryan Bulagadidn't practice Thursday due to a concussion sustained against the Bills in Week 15. Running back Eddie Lacy was limited during the workout.
- Frank Gore practiced Thursday and is on pace to play Saturday, Jim Harbaugh said at a news conference. The 49ers running back is moving through the concussion protocol after exiting the loss to the Seahawks.
- Jaguars running back Toby Gerhart suffered a rib contusion Thursday night and was ruled out.
- Jaguars defensive tackle Roy Miller suffered a meniscus injury in his knee last week against the Ravens and will require surgery, according to The Florida-Times Union.
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