Todd Archer, ESPN Staff Writer 9y

Tony Romo expects DeMarco Murray to do all he can to play

IRVING, Texas -- Officially, Dallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray did not participate in Wednesday's practice but that is because he did not take any team snaps.

During the portion of practice open to the media, Murray took handoffs and caught several passes in warm-ups. He wore a glove fitted with a hard plastic shell to protect his surgically-repaired left hand.

While there is optimism Murray will be able to play Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts, coach Jason Garrett wants to see him carry the ball in practice.

"I think you've all seen how special DeMarco is as a player. He's had a great season," quarterback Tony Romo said. "I think he's going to do everything he can to play. We're just going to do what we do and go from there."

Romo also did not practice on Wednesday, following the same script he has used since the second game of the season to rest and build up strength in his back.

He was one of four offensive starters not to practice. Right tackle Doug Free (ankle) and right guard Zack Martin (ankle) also sat out of Wednesday's practice. Martin said his ankle was feeling better but he was not sure if he would be able to practice on Thursday.

Linebacker Rolando McClain missed practice with a sore knee, and defensive tackle Josh Brent was absent because of a calf injury and personal reasons. Linebacker Dekoda Watson (hamstring) did not practice either.

Safety Jeff Heath (thumb), cornerback Tyler Patmon (knee/ankle) and defensive end George Selvie (thumb) were full participants.

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