Felix

Jones

Tashard Choice and DeMarco Murray are both expected to see time behind Jones, perhaps in a “hot hand” situation. “Murray got here as a good blocker,” said Jones. “Now, he doesn’t have the experience that Choice has got. But I like our combination. Felix is a better blocker than he’s ever been in his career. ... Choice is used to not getting snaps and living to tell about it, handles it well.”

Felix separated his right shoulder on one of the first plays of the game yesterday but played through it by wearing a harness. His status for next week’s game at Washington will likely depend on pain tolerance and how he responds to treatment. It’s been a nightmare start to the season for Jones, who is averaging 2.7 yards per carry so far.

The fact that Jones was able to finish out yesterday’s game -- albeit on a limited basis -- obviously bodes extremely well. The concern, however, is that the Cowboys will take it easy on Jones next week and use a committee that includes plenty of Tashard Choice and DeMarco Murray. Jones’ injury history combined with his extremely slow start are yellow flags for the coaching staff.

Jones played Sunday’s game with a harness on his dislocated shoulder and “should be available to play against the Redskins,” per ESPN’s Ed Werder and Todd Archer. Jones figures to get some practice time off, and it remains to be seen whether he’ll return as Dallas’ every-down back like he was used in Week 1. Jones was in and out of the lineup in Sunday’s win over San Francisco.

He caught just one pass for five yards. Fragile Felix was in and out of the contest with a right arm injury, and wasn’t given any opportunity to get into a groove. It also didn’t help that Dallas was playing from behind for a majority of the second half, or that he was facing Patrick Willis. Jones’ injury and constant substitution made it hard to get a good read on who was responsible for short-yardage and red-zone work. His health will determine what fantasy ranking he gets heading into Week 3.

A shoulder separation certainly sounds bad, but Jones was able to play through it sparingly Sunday. He finished with 10 touches. The Cowboys’ medical staff wrapped up the shoulder and allowed Jones to reenter. When Jones was out, Tashard Choice and DeMarco Murray played equally, with each getting seven touches. Were Jones to miss Week 3 against Washington, a committee backfield would ensue. We’ll definitely have more updates by tomorrow.

Jones appeared to be limited for the second straight day, but all signs are pointing toward him being active on Monday. Playing hurt, however, he won’t be in for a full complement of snaps against the Redskins. He’s a risky RB2/flex option this week.

Romo, Bryant, and Felix Jones all went through Sunday’s walkthrough. “For those who have asked, yes, I would start Tony Romo and/or Dez Bryant in fantasy football this week,” tweets MacMahon. Neither player is going to be at full strength, but Bryant is a top-20 wide receiver play and Romo a borderline top-10 quarterback this week.

Barring a setback, Jones will be active on Monday against the Redskins. At far from full health, he’s expected to cede some carries to DeMarco Murray. Jones is an acceptable play if you’re thin at running back, but you should consider benching him for a week if you have a viable alternative.

Jones is ready to go against the Lions, and should be on the field for more snaps this week. He comes in at No. 16 among fantasy backs in Rotoworld’s Week 4 rankings.