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Cowboys Pursuit of Newly Released Running Back LeSean McCoy Not Likely
FRISCO - In a shocking move, the Buffalo Bills released star running back LeSean McCoy on Saturday morning, as they attempt to finalize their 53-man roster.
As a result of that, and in the wake of the Ezekiel Elliott holdout, it is reasonable for many Cowboy fans to wonder whether or not Dallas would consider pursuing the 11-year veteran.
On paper, the idea would seemingly make sense, with Dallas missing their own star running back as of now, and another appearing on the market just in time for the season opener against the Giants next Sunday.
However, despite McCoy's pedigree as a bell-cow running back, it is hard to see the Cowboys pursuing that route at the present time.
Putting aside the 'intensifying' contract talks between the Elliott and the Cowboys that were first reported by our own Mike Fisher and 105.3 The Fan's Jonathan Shipman four days ago, we think Dallas already feels comfortable with they have in their backfield, whether or not Elliott is in the fold on opening day.
Rookie running back Tony Pollard has already impressed the Cowboy decision-makers enough for them to be confident in what he can bring to the offense as a starting back until Elliott's extension is finalized.
Meanwhile, with the opportunity to backup Pollard with someone who is already familiar with the offense and the protection schemes, such as veteran Alfred Morris, the idea of McCoy coming in at this point would seem to be more of redundancy than anything else.
Pollard already has the capabilities to do most of the things McCoy can do in terms of catching the ball out of the backfield and using his speed to get around the edge and can do it in a much-younger body on a much less expensive contract.
As for Morris, he makes up for the rest, by being an excellent pass protector and a good locker-room presence.
Combine that with the fact that McCoy just turned 31 this summer and it becomes clear that, despite the national-media 'recognition' of the McCoy name, there is simply not enough there to warrant pursuit of the veteran from the Cowboys at this time.
With all of that said, this idea will likely become moot by the time practices begin on Monday, because our own Mike Fisher believes Elliott's return could be as early as Monday morning's 10:45 am practice.
Either way, it seems increasingly likely that the Cowboys will be at full strength at all positions by the time the Giants come to town on Sunday, making the pursuit of McCoy an improbable one.
