Phillip

Tanner

Tanner saw increased late-game carries with Dallas shelling Buffalo, 44-7. Tanner lacks the wiggle and power of DeMarco Murray, and will experience a role reduction when Felix Jones (ankle) gets back. Don’t think these 11 carries, a season-high for Tanner, represent any sort of sign of things to come.

He added two catches for 19 yards. Dallas fell behind 21-0 early in the second quarter, forcing it to completely abandon the run against Philadelphia’s shaky run defense. With Tashard Choice now out of the picture, Tanner shouldn’t have many more one-carry nights, but won’t be worth an add barring injury to DeMarco Murray.

Tanner didn’t practice all week, hinting at a significant strain. DeMarco Murray and Felix Jones are the lone tailbacks active today. The rest of the Cowboys’ inactives: QB Jon Kitna, RB Phillip Tanner, FB Tony Fiammetta, WR Miles Austin, G David Arkin, G Daniel Loper and DT Josh Brent.

The strain must have been significant. Tanner, an undrafted rookie from Middle Tennessee, managed 76 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries (3.45 YPC) in nine appearances. The Cowboys will move forward with Felix Jones behind DeMarco Murray. They also have Chauncey Washington on the practice squad.

Tanner proved he is fully recovered from his broken hand, rushing nine times for 48 yards with a touchdown in the preseason finale. He beats out Lance Dunbar, who is likely headed for the practice squad.

The injury ended Tanner’s season in early December, but he was “quick and decisive” making cuts at Wednesday’s OTA practice. Tanner will battle rookies Darrell Scott and Lance Dunbar for Dallas’ third-string tailback job in camp.

He’s competing with UDFAs Lance Dunbar and Ed Wesley, but Executive VP Stephen Jones believes Tanner will be “hard” to beat out. “Good luck to the guy trying to unseat him,” Jones said. “He’d better bring his lunch pail because it’s going to be a hard task.” Running behind injury-prone DeMarco Murray and Felix Jones, Tanner is a name to keep in mind in deeper fantasy leagues.

A converted wideout from the University of North Texas, Olawale has moved from lead blocker to tailback with the Cowboys over the past couple of months. With fullback size (6'0/230) and halfback moves and speed (4.53 forty), Olawale has stood out in the first two preseason games. He could push Phillip Tanner (hand surgery) for the final running back spot.

Per the San Antonio Express-News’ Tom Orsborn, the “hope is” Tanner will be back before camp ends. Competing with UDFAs Lance Dunbar and Ed Wesley, Tanner was expected to keep his third-string job, but the injury certainly clouds his status. If Tanner misses the preseason and either Dunbar or Wesley is impressive, Tanner could be out of a job.

Tanner saw an unexpected bump up in usage due to DeMarco Murray’s second-half foot sprain, and Felix Jones’ cramps. Though he lacks big-play run skills, Tanner runs hard and pushes the pile. He is Dallas’ third-string back.