Dallas Cowboys RB Lance Dunbar Impressive in Preseason Debut

All of the talk surrounding the Dallas Cowboys backfield this offseason has been about DeMarco Murray, and whether or not the talented back could remain healthy enough to carry the load for the Dallas offense this season.

Murray’s health is vital to a better Cowboys running game, because the next three guys on the depth chart have just 43 combined career NFL carries. Murray missed big chunks of his first two season to injuries, so he’ll have to better manage his physical style of running.

The Cowboys did add insurance behind Murray when they drafted former Oklahoma State star Joseph Randle in the fourth-round of this year’s NFL Draft, but he’s looked rather mediocre thus far into training camp, and is already battling injuries of his own.

Enter Lance Dunbar, as second-year back who was given the starting nod tonight after Murray and Randle were ruled out with injuries. In just one drive, he accounted for four rushes for 22 yards, and chipped in a catch for seven yards. He was taken out after the first offensive series, but looked every bit like an NFL-caliber back.

Tonight’s performance shouldn’t come as a surprise, as Dunbar has been making a favorable impression with his coaches and teammates during training camp thus far:

"“I think the nice surprise really was Dunbar coming onto the scene last year a little bit,” QB Tony Romo said Wednesday, July 31. “He’s had a great offseason. I’m excited about just having the ability to move (the ball with him).”"

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