Dallas Cowboys rookie running back Felix Jones won't return this season.
The Dallas Cowboys said Thursday Jones suffered a torn toe ligament while rehabilitating his injured hamstring and will need season-ending surgery.
The first round pick out of Arkansas provided a big boost to the running game, playing in 6 games, rushing for 266 yards.
Jones is averaging nearly 9 yards per carry and scored 3 touchdowns.
Cowboys spokesman Rich Dalrymple released the following statement about Jones Thursday afternoon:
"While in the process of rehabbing his injured left hamstring, Felix Jones developed an injury to his left great toe. As the hamstring injury has improved and progressed, the toe injury did not improve and has required additional medical attention and evaluation.
Yesterday's practice was designated as a day to obtain a thorough evaluation on his current condition and his ability to perform all of the running tasks involved in playing in a game. Also, additional tests that were taken on Monday were evaluated this morning by Dr. Robert Anderson, a foot and ankle specialist who is based in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Today, on the basis of the evaluation of the Cowboys medical team, with additional input from Dr. Anderson, it was determined that the best option for Felix's long term future as an NFL player will be for him to undergo a surgical procedure that will repair a torn ligament that is located beneath his left great toe.
The date for the surgery has yet to be determined. Felix Jones will miss the remainder of the 2008 season."
Rookie Tashard Choice will take Jones place backing up starter Marion Barber.
