IRVING, Texas -- Last week Dallas Cowboys running back Joseph Randle made a noteworthy comment when he said DeMarco Murray left "a lot of meat on the bone," in 2014 despite leading the NFL in rushing with 1,845 yards.
Coach Jason Garrett was not a fan of what Randle said.
"We addressed that with Joe, really immediately," Garrett said. "Sometimes comments like that get taken out of context or are not really intended the way they come out. I think Joe has great respect for DeMarco, as we all do. Joe did a good job with his opportunities, but Joe and everybody else on our football team, we have to focus on what we do and not on what we say. I think he understands that."
Maybe not.
On Wednesday, Randle said Garrett did not address his comments to him. Perhaps Randle is just attempting to distance himself from the remarks -- even if he did it clumsily.
"We're just going out there trying to grind every day so I can earn some more playing time," Randle said.
Randle took the first-teams snaps on Wednesday with Darren McFadden working out on the side because of a hamstring strain and Ryan Williams out with a sore knee.
The Cowboys are looking at using a running back by committee as they replace Murray in 2015. So far the committee consists of Randle, McFadden, Lance Dunbar and Ryan Williams but the Cowboys will keep their eyes open. Two weeks ago they worked out Ben Tate, Felix Jones and Daniel Thomas but did not sign them.
"Obviously the running back situation is something we're going to keep our eyes on, but we're comfortable," executive vice president Stephen Jones said. "I think out there today watching some of the guys, they look good. I think they can get the job done."
Even Randle.
"I mean, I felt like that every year since I've been in here, trying to keep my job," Randle said. "This is my livelihood. That's what it's all about every day."
