Dallas Cowboys running back Lance Dunbar has just 80 career carries in three seasons after being signed as an undrafted free agent in 2012, yet he might play a significant role in replacing the NFL's leading rusher.
DeMarco Murray signed with the Philadelphia Eagles in free agency and the Cowboys haven't done much to address the position since. They didn't draft a running back and their only free agent signing was Darren McFadden. McFadden may look revitalized behind this dominant Cowboys offensive line, but he's a consistent injury risk who hasn't averaged more than 3.3 yards-per-carry since 2011.
Although many believe that Joseph Randle will be the lead back in Dallas this year, Dunbar could get an opportunity to show what he's got.
"Sometimes he doesn't play as many plays as some of the other guys, but when you look at his production within the plays that he has, it's usually pretty good," head coach Jason Garrett said. "He's usually a difference maker. He's a really smart football player. He's talented. He's quick. He's fast and explosive, has great intuition and instincts for the game. We try to use him a lot of different ways, and when we have used him he's been effective for us. You're always trying to give those guys more opportunities."
Healthy and playing behind Murray have prevented Dunbar from making a bigger impact thus far in his career. But this season, he's looking forward to getting a fair shake.
"We've been working on a lot of things with what I've been doing in the last few years but it hasn't really worked out," Dunbar said. "Just trying to get all the little details right. Hopefully the coaches decide that I can fit the role and produce in that role."
Dunbar, at 5-foot-8 and 195 pounds, is likely not looking at an every down role. But his speed and soft hands lend themselves well to being a pass-catching back. Four of quarterback Tony Romo's six completions in a recent two-minute drill went to Dunbar.
"Anytime I can get the ball quickly in my hands, let me work with it, it should be beneficial to our team," Dunbar said. "I'm a quick guy. I like to get one-on-one matchups."
For his career, Dunbar has 324 rushing yards on a 4.1 YPC and 31 receptions for 309 yards. The Cowboys don't know if he can be as successful in an expanded role, but they sound as if they are going to find out.
