Cowboys Wednesday Practice & Injury Report: Murray, Martin Practice, Free Absent

On Christmas Eve, the Dallas Cowboys returned to the practice field to prepare for their Week 17 clash with Washington. Coach Jason Garrett has already stated that the Cowboys will play their starters and have every intention of trying to win the game. Although the Cowboys will likely end up with the third seed in the NFC, there are still possibilities of them moving up and gaining a first-round bye. Since they won't know the outcome of the games that affect them by the time they take the field, they are planning to win.

Since it is Wednesday, starting quarterback Tony Romo sat out practice as is his usual custom. He will return to practice on Thursday. Right tackle Doug Free was also absent and it's entirely possible the Cowboys rest him until the playoffs begin. So far Jeremy Parnell has done a good job replacing Free on the field.

Rolando McClain was absent today but it has nothing to do with injury. In case you missed it, McClain's home in Alabama burned down and he is returning to the state to assess the damage and deal with that mess. He is expected back in Dallas for tomorrow's afternoon practice.

Linebacker Dekoda Watson still isn't practicing, but defensive tackle Josh Brent returned after missing the past few weeks.

And yes, DeMarco Murray is practicing as usual.

DeMarco Murray took the on-air first team snap that went to Joseph Randle last week in warmups

— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) December 24, 2014