Monday morning, nobody knew anything was wrong with DeMarco Murray. Monday afternoon, he was having hand surgery, and Cowboys executives called it an "uphill battle" for him to suit up in Week 16.
Today, though, reports are circulating that the Cowboys expect Murray to play. The surgery was successful and he should be able to run the ball. Pretty safe to say he'll take a seat on passing downs and won't be a factor as a receiver, but he's expected to be able to run the ball as usual.
With reports changing on a daily basis, teams are advised to get their claims in for Joseph Randle regardless. He'd be expected to get the bulk of the carries if the Cowboys decide a running back with a broken bone in his hand is a poor idea. Lance Dunbar will likely play in passing situations, of which there could be plenty in a likely shootout with the Colts.
Murray needs to average 157 yards the last two games to reach 2,000, and the Cowboys need to win to assure themselves of a playoff spot. Those are no doubt considerations in getting Murray back on the field as quickly as possible.
In any case, for now, it sounds like he'll be out there on Sunday. Not doing much blocking or catching, but running.
--Andy Richardson