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Associated Press 9y

Cowboys' Murray looking like go with broken hand

NFL, Dallas Cowboys, Indianapolis Colts, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins, New York Giants

IRVING, Texas -- All signs point to DeMarco Murray playing for Dallas against Indianapolis despite the NFL rushing leader's broken left hand.

Murray was listed as questionable Friday a few hours after Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said on his radio show that the team "should be able to count on" him playing.

The fourth-year back went through individual drills Wednesday before expanding his role in workouts Thursday and Friday. He says he will ultimately decide whether to play on Sunday.

"People deal with injuries all the time, so you've got to be able to fight through the pain," Murray said Thursday. "These are some important games that we've got coming up, and I know how important they are. We know how important they are."

The NFC East-leading Cowboys (10-4) can wrap up a playoff berth if they beat the Colts (10-4) and Philadelphia loses to Washington. But Dallas could miss the postseason with a loss in one of two remaining games if the Eagles beat the Redskins and New York Giants.

Murray, injured late in last week's win at Philadelphia that gave the Cowboys the division lead, has 1,687 yards rushing and needs 87 to break all-time NFL rushing leader Emmitt Smith's franchise record of 1,773.

Rookie right guard Zack Martin didn't practice all week because of an ankle injury, but Jones was optimistic about him playing.

"With what we did yesterday in practice, Murray and Martin, I'm pretty positive about having the ability to play them and to getting that decision," Jones said. "Both of those guys, you should be able to count on."

Jones indicated right tackle Doug Free wouldn't be available as he battles injuries to his left foot and ankle. Free missed three games earlier this season with a broken right foot.

Murray had a large wrap on his hand Tuesday, the day after surgery to repair the bone above his left ring finger. But the wrap was significantly smaller Wednesday, and he said he did "a lot more" in practice a day later.

"This guy is like, there's nothing to hold this guy from doing anything," play caller Scott Linehan said. "He's one of the great competitors I've been around."

Murray missed at least two games each of his first three seasons with injuries. He sat out the final three games his rookie year with a broken ankle, missed six games with a sprained foot in 2012 and two more last year with a sprained knee. But now he has a 22-game starting streak, easily the longest of his career.

"I'm competitive, very competitive person, and I want to help this team out as much as I can," said Murray, who has tied Smith's franchise record with 11 100-yard games this season. "Whatever that portrays me doing come Sunday, then we'll see from there."

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