Alfred Morris will get the start in place of Ezekiel Elliott

It wasn’t much of a secret, but Cowboys offensive coordinator Scott Linehan confirmed that Alfred Morris will get the start in place of Ezekiel Elliott, assuming there is no last-second reprieve by the courts.

Technically, there is still a chance Zeke could play, but more than likely Morris will be the guy, at least as long as he’s productive. The Cowboys will probably be quick to head to a running-back-by-committee approach if they feel they are bogging down in the running game. They will also be much quicker to rotate guys in for different parts of the offense. Morris is a workhorse, but both Smith and McFadden look more comfortable catching out of the backfield. McFadden might have more burst, but Morris is probably more dependable in hitting the hole and getting positive yards. They may like Smith in short-yardage. Point is, the Cowboys backs will all likely get snaps. The hot hand will then get more.

Morris is full of confidence.

"Am I a starter? I'm definitely a starter," Morris said. "I would never sit here and say I'm not a starter. But at the same time, that's not the role I'm in."

McFadden feels like he is ready to go after so much time off.

"I feel fresh. I've been taking care of my body, doing everything I'd do as if I was playing. Fortunately enough I haven't had those hits so I feel like maybe I'm even a step ahead."

He also thinks he’s still got the wheels.

"I definitely still have speed to break away," McFadden said. "so if you see me in the open field, don't look for me to get caught."

The Cowboys also went out and grabbed a running back for the practice squad.