The Cowboys signed running back Adrian Murrell to a one-year contract worth $750,000 on Wednesday. He has been out of the NFL for the past two seasons.
Murrell last played for the Washington Redskins in 2000. He played under Bill Parcells in 1997 with the New York Jets.
Due to rules governing veterans, Murrell will only count $450,000 against the Cowboys salary cap.
"I don't know how much I will play or what my role will be, but I know I'm here to work," Murrell said after practice. "I think I've got something left in the tank, but I have to get in playing shape and re-acclimate myself to the system."
After a morning workout with the Cowboys Wednesday morning, the nine-year veteran signed his contract and participated in the afternoon practice.
"He was a pretty skillful runner with good vision," said Parcells. "I know the player well and just want to see if there is anything left."
Parcells reportedly did not sign Murrell because of disappointment with Troy Hambrick, who has taken over the reigns as the Cowboys' running back since the release of Emmitt Smith. According to the team, it was more to provide experienced depth at the position.
But Hambrick was less than stellar in the game against the Arizona Cardinals last Saturday, carrying four times for minus-one yard.
Still, Hambrick says he's not worried.
"I have a lot of confidence in the game I bring," said Hambrick. "If I can get the offensive front to do what they have to do and do what they are getting paid to do, I think we'll be fine as an offensive unit."
Reports from observers said that Murrell still does have something left in his tank. He appeared to be the better back during the afternoon practice.
Michael Wiley has been hampered with a rotator cuff injury and is seeking a second opinion on how to correct the injury. Aveion Cason does not have the size to be an every-down back. ReShard Lee and Erik Bickerstaff are rookies. Richie Anderson and Jamar Martin are fullbacks.
Murrell has 5,092 yards on 1,347 carries (3.8 ypg) with 23 touchdowns and 28 fumbles in 119 career games. He had three straight 1,000-yard seasons from 1996-98.
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