RB Felix Jones' injury concerns owner
Cowboys Win 21-7
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones admitted as he was leaving the stadium early Tuesday morning that he is concerned about the severity of running back Felix Jones' knee injury.
The Cowboys' owner, with the game ball under his arm, said the player was unable to loosen his left knee after suffering what the team has initially diagnosed as a knee strain that would be re-evaluated, indicating the likelihood the runner will have an MRI.
Felix Jones was hurt as he was tackled at the end of a 40-yard run against the Panthers. It was the final carry of a performance in which the oft-injured breakaway back contributed 114 yards from scrimmage on just nine touches.
It also marked the second time in three games this season that Jones was too injured to finish. He suffered a bruised quadriceps in the season opener against Tampa Bay.
Jones returned to the field Monday night to fake a reverse with the Cowboys lining Tashard Choice under center, and Jones appeared to limp through the play before returning to the sideline.
Jones made his first career NFL start in the game because Marion Barber was held out with a strained quadriceps. Coach Wade Phillips said Barber was close to being able to play. Barber's status becomes more important with the uncertainty of Jones' availability as the Cowboys have a short week of preparation before playing on the road against an undefeated Denver Broncos team that has allowed the fewest points in the NFL.
While Barber is a former Pro Bowler and Choice has proven capable as a spot starter, Jones is one of the few speed players that quarterback Tony Romo has on the field. Jones this season has 16 touches for 210 yards and a touchdown.
The 2008 first-round pick missed all but three games of his rookie season with a toe injury that required surgery.
