Felix Jones: DeMarco Murray Owners Must Handcuff Dallas Cowboys' Other Back

DeMarco Murray has been the starting running back for the Dallas Cowboys since he exploded onto the scene last year with a huge game against the St. Louis Rams in which he ran for 253 yards on 25 carries.

Expectations were high coming into 2012, but Murray so far has been a fantasy dud. He's averaging 66 yards per game on the ground and has a total of one touchdown on the year.

Murray suffered a sprained foot in the Cowboys' loss to the Baltimore Ravens last week and has been ruled out for Sunday's game against Carolina. Felix Jones stepped in and had an instant impact. He carried the ball 18 times for 92 yards and a touchdown, and he will get the start on Sunday against the Panthers.

It is expected that Murray will be back for the Cowboys' Week 8 game against the New York Giants, but if you have DeMarco Murray on your team, you must pick up Jones if he is available.

If you don't have Murray, try to beat the other owners to the punch.

Murray's injury could turn into a lingering issue that sidelines him for more than just this Sunday's game. Felix Jones could also go out and run for 100 yards and a touchdown (a feat Murray has failed to accomplish) against the Panthers defense this week and take over the bulk of the carries.

In Weeks 2-4, Murray had 41 carries for a grand total of 106 yards. His job is not safe by any means. If you used a second- or third-round pick on Murray, why not pick up Jones and know you'll at least have insurance for the remainder of the year?

Pick up Felix Jones. He's a great flex start this week against the Panthers and even has some added value in PPR leagues. Start him with confidence.