With the Cowboys losing DeMarco Murray to a broken ankle and Felix Jones not sufficiently durable to be a 25-carry-per-game workhorse and some guy named Phillip Tanner (not to be confused with Tanner Boyle) as the only other option on the roster, the Cowboys need a tailback. (Actually Phillip Tanner is on IR. The actor who played Tanner Boyle, as far as we know, is not.)
Presumably, the Cowboys will have a Gong Show tryout on Tuesday, inviting several unknown running backs to town for a series of drills aimed at finding one who can help provide depth behind Jones.
So why not send an invitation to Tiki Barber?
Regular readers of this site would never confuse me with the treasurer of the Tiki Barber Fan Club. But when a guy generated 2,000-plus yards from scrimmage for each of his most recent three NFL seasons and he’s available and the Cowboys have a short-term need, why not bring him in for a look-see?
With a rematch against the Giants is looming for January 1, there would be no better way to ring in the New Year than with an unwanted visit from an old friend.
Cowboys coach Jason Garrett and Barber were teammates in New York for four seasons, from 2000 through 2003. If the Cowboys don’t give Tiki a workout, that may tell us all we need to know.
Again, I’m not saying the Cowboys should sign Barber. But they should bring him in and see what he can still do. If he doesn’t have it anymore, so be it. If he does, why wouldn’t the Cowboys want to welcome the Anti-Giant onto the roster for a stretch run that will include a showdown with Tiki’s former team?