The starting backfield of the Dallas Cowboys remains idle at Valley Ranch.
Running back DeMarco Murray won’t practice with the team as the second week of organized team activities (OTAs) because of a lingering hamstring injury. Murray’s injury is considered minor, but the 25-year-old missed seven weeks last season with an ankle sprain and has been injury-prone in two previous seasons.
Murray and quarterback Tony Romo, who had a cyst removed from his back and won’t participate in OTAs, could work in a limited capacity in minicamp.
Murray’s special moments have been truly memorable, including 25 carries for 253 yards and a touchdown in his first career start in 2011.
The Cowboys elected not to re-sign backup Felix Jones and rookie fifth-round pick Joseph Randle and Phillip Tanner, undrafted in 2011, are most likely to step in should injuries strike Murray again.
Romo’s back surgery wasn’t considered serious but to avoid potential setbacks, the team chose to have him sit out OTA sessions. He has been involved on the field and in classroom sessions to establish a rapport with newcomers, including three of the team’s top draft picks on the offensive side of the ball — center Travis Frederick, tight end Gavin Escobar and wide receiver Terrance Williams.
Romo revealed that owner Jerry Jones had him watch film of Escobar and Williams before the draft. He said not being on the field might create a bigger challenge synching timing, but Romo wants to take part in the June 11-13 minicamp and will gather his receivers in July for additional workouts.