Dallas Cowboys' executive vice president Stephen Jones told KLRD-FM radio that it would be a "long shot" for either running back DeMarco Murray or left tackle Tyron Smith to play on Thanksgiving against the Washington Redskins. He said he wouldn't know any more until he arrived at the team's practice later Monday:
"I'm dying to know right now," Jones said of their availability on KRLD-FM. "But I'm really thinking its probably a long shot for either one of those guys to play."
That's bad news for quarterback Tony Romo, who isn't get any help from the injuries in pass protection nor at the offensive skill positions.
Murray has missed the past five games with a sprained foot after rushing for 330 yards with a 4.4 yards per carry average through the first five games of the year. Felix Jones will continue to fill in for Murray.
The injury to Smith might be of bigger concern at this point for the 5-5 Cowboys. The starting left tackle left in the first quarter of Dallas' 23-20 overtime win against the Cleveland Browns. But with a quick turnaround and Washington on deck for a Thursday afternoon game, the recovery period is brief.
Jermey Parnell took over for Smith and would be expected to start on Thanksgiving.