Dallas Cowboys running back Darren McFadden opened training camp Thursday in Oxnard, Calif., on the physically unable to perform list because of a hamstring injury that also bothered him in the offseason.
McFadden, a former Arkansas Razorback who played at Pulaski Oak Grove High School, signed a two-year deal with the Cowboys in March after spending seven seasons with the Oakland Raiders. He is expected to compete with Joseph Randle, who returns for a third season, and Lance Dunbar, back for his fourth season in Dallas, for playing time.
The Cowboys hope the two-time All-American can help replace NFL rushing champion DeMarco Murray, who signed with the Philadelphia Eagles in free agency after running for 1,845 yards and 13 touchdowns last season.
McFadden, 27, was taken fourth overall by the Raiders in the 2008 NFL Draft, but a variety of injuries -- turf toe, shoulder, ankle and hamstring problems -- troubled him throughout his time in Oakland. He was relatively injury-free last season, playing in all 16 games for the first time in his career, but managed only 534 yards, an average of 3.4 per carry, and 2 touchdowns.
McFadden has topped 1,000 yards rushing only once, when he ran for 1,157 yards over 13 games in 2010.
The running back was bothered by a strained hamstring in the closing weeks of the Cowboys' organized team activities leading up to mini-camp June 16-18, but he took part in all activities those three days.
Sports on 07/31/2015