Since signing a seven-year, $45 million deal following the 2007, it’s been all downhill for Cowboys’ running back Marion Barber. Barber struggled with injuries in both 2008 and 2009, and, this season, is averaging just 3.1 yards, which is more than a yard less than his career average.
Barber remains the starter, but outside of short-yardage situations, few would describe Barber’s performance this season as good. As such, many feel that Barber is not long for Dallas, that he will be shipped off after this season in a move that would, from a financial standpoint anyway, make perfect sense.
But owner Jerry Jones said in an interview on 105.3 FM The Fan yesterday that no assumptions should be made regarding Barber’s future in Dallas.
"I know certainly he’s got critics but I wouldn’t go that far in any way to say his time is done with the Cowboys," Jones said.
Barber will likely miss Sunday’s game against Indy with a strained calf, giving way to Tashard Choice and Felix Jones. Jerry said that Felix’s ability to make the big play--which, in our opinion, is somewhat questionable at this point--compounds the negative view of Barber.
"Felix gives us an explosive opportunity every time he touches the ball, and I think that weighs to some degree of the critique of Marion," Jones said, per ESPN Dallas. "And I think I'm being trite when I say that. You just would like to some degree give yourself every opportunity to make the big play every time, and all of that weighs into that."
Stay on top of the latest Dallas Cowboys news with NBCDFW.com. Follow NBC DFW Sports on Facebook or have breaking Cowboys news sent directly to your phone with Blue Star SMS alerts. Text "bluestar" to 622339 (NBCDFW) to subscribe to this free service. Read more about it here.
