As quickly as running back Lance Dunbar made an impact on the Cowboys offense, he’s been taken out of the lineup.
An MRI on Dunbar’s left knee revealed that he suffered a posterior lateral corner injury that will need to be surgically repaired. The Cowboys believe he will miss the rest of the season, although it’s not clear if they’ll be putting him on injured reserve or holding out hope that he might be able to get back at some point in the postseason.
It’s tough timing for Dunbar, who finally got an extended look in the backfield after injuries got in the way of other opportunities this year. He ran for 82 yards in Thursday’s victory over the Raiders and the Cowboys got 145 yards between him and DeMarco Murray for one of their best days on the ground all season.
Joseph Randle and Phillip Tanner will be in line for work behind Dunbar while he’s out of the lineup. If they’re able to replicate Dunbar’s efforts, the Cowboys’ chances of advancing to the playoffs will be looking pretty good.