DeMarco Murray: Don't Be Afraid to Ditch Cowboys RB from Fantasy Rosters

The potential frustration and missed points of hanging onto DeMarco Murray overwhelm the potential gains to be had by keeping the running back on a fantasy roster. 

There are several factors driving to this conclusion. Let's start with the biggest: his injury. Murray has a sprained foot, which will keep him out Week 7 and potentially longer. 

ESPN’s Ed Werder brings us up to speed:

"

Cowboys RB DeMarco Murray has sprained foot, no surgery but in protective book and using crutches so doubtful he plays vs Carolina. #cowboys

— Ed Werder (@Edwerderespn) October 15, 2012"

"

Cowboys concerned DeMarco Murray foot injury could result in multi-game absence but player tells teammates he will play vs Giants next week

— Ed Werder (@Edwerderespn) October 16, 2012"

So Murray is shooting for Week 8, but this is not a position where we can take a player's word. Foot issues can mysteriously linger, and having healthy feet is slightly important to a running back. 

Also, the Cowboys aren't likely to rush their talented second-year ball carrier back into action. There is too much long term value in him for that, and they have a competent backup. 

Felix Jones has proven to be more than serviceable when his body allows him to be. In his Week 6 action against Baltimore, he looked fresh, healthy and dangerous as he carried 18 times for 92 yards and a touchdown.

All of these variables are at play, making Murray's return from injury a complete guessing game. I don't know about you, but I've learned to avoid this kind of situation whenever possible. 

Too many times have I held onto a player while waiting for them to return to health, only to have that date get pushed back one week at a time while I hold up a needed roster spot. 

I'm not saying that is going to happen to Murray. I am saying he is not worth that potential headache. 

Dallas is 20th in rushing yards per game and 21st in rushing touchdowns per game. In fact, the Cowboys have just two rushing touchdowns all year. 

This is not the kind of offense one should pinpoint for solid fantasy production and it puts Murray's status as a fantasy starter to begin with in question. 

Now we have to add his injury concerns on top of that, and the fact that Felix Jones is running like someone who wants to win his starting job back. 

If Jones is healthy and keeps performing until Murray returns, it is reasonable to expect a more equal distribution of carries, which only further limits Murray's fantasy value. 

I'm exhausted just writing about this. I certainly don't want to have to deal with it week-to-week on my fantasy team. Just drop Murray and move on.