So much for that theory.
According to Nick Eatman of the Dallas Cowboys official website, the team has released running back Ryan Williams, who was considered an under-the-radar candidate to replace DeMarco Murray.
Cowboys have officially cut RB Ryan Williams and LB Cam Lawrence
— Nick Eatman (@nickeatman) July 28, 2015
According to ESPN’s Todd Archer, Williams underwent a second knee surgery following minicamp in June.
Williams hasn’t played in an NFL game since 2012, so the thought that he could replace Murray initially didn’t make much sense.
However, Dallas’ unproven backfield after Murray bolted for the Philadelphia Eagles made the thought that didn’t make much sense a somewhat-realistic notion. Nevertheless, the Cowboys have ultimately elected to entertain a three-man competition between Joseph Randle, Lance Dunbar and Darren McFadden.
Free agents Chris Johnson and Ray Rice have been linked to Dallas, but Archer notes those rumors come from “everybody but [the] Cowboys.”
Dallas boasts the league’s best offensive line, so Tony Romo and Co. will likely achieve plenty of success thanks to the big men in the trenches. It just won’t have Williams breaking through the running lanes.
Photo: USA Today Sports