RB Gus Johnson Looking to Make Most of Preseason Opener

With the front end of their stable of running backs dealing with a variety of injuries, the Dallas Cowboys will most likely turn to an undrafted Stephen F. Austin product to serve as their starting running back in Thursday’s preseason opener against the Chargers in San Diego.

Gus Johnson was signed in late July after the team released Ryan Williams. He has earned some praise in his short time with the Cowboys, but knows Thursday presents an opportunity to make a statement to the coaching staff on a much bigger stage than the practice field in Oxnard.

"It's big, you know," Johnson said, per Todd Archer of ESPN Dallas. "All eyes are going to be on the preseason games to see who can play, who can't play. You get a lot of work in during camp but you just never can fully get the full game experience, so I feel like it'll help out a lot."

Joseph Randle is dealing with a minor oblique issue, Darren McFadden is on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list with a hamstring and Lance Dunbar is still sidelined with the sprained ankle he suffered last week. Leaving Johnson and Lache Seastrunk as the team’s main backfield options.

"I'm just trying to make sure I've got all my plays down, make sure my mind's on the game, be focused and do everything I can to help us to come out on top," Johnson said.