Chauncey

Washington

A seventh-round pick by Jacksonville back in 2008, Washington bounced all over the league before landing on Dallas’ practice squad in 2011. Reports that he was overweight last season suggest he may never get a chance to add to his five career carries.

It’s a sign that the Cowboys might at least consider holding Felix Jones (hamstring) out of Saturday’s 4PM game if the Giants beat the Jets at 1PM ET. Washington would then back up Sammy Morris against the Eagles.

It’s another bad sign for Felix Jones (hamstring), who has yet to practice this week. Jones may end up starting the game against the Eagles, but Washington and Sammy Morris would likely carry the load if the Giants beat the Jets in the early game.

The Cowboys lost Phillip Tanner (hamstring) to injured reserve last week, so Felix Jones is the only tailback currently on the active roster. Washington only has seven games of NFL experience in four seasons, but there’s not much on the street at this point. He’d be strict insurance behind Jones.

At least he’s in a good spot; Jennings only has to beat out Chauncey Washington to be the Jags’ No. 2 tailback. NFL Network’s Charley Casserly reports that Jennings -- a projected mid-rounder, at worst -- fell so far due to questions about his “inside running ability and toughness.” He sure looked tough at the Senior Bowl, and has good speed (4.5s) for his size (6'1/234).

Chauncey Washington and Alvin Pearman get no love. Jennings, the star of spring practice, would provide more explosiveness and versatility behind Maurice Jones-Drew. If Jennings wins, Jones could focus on lead blocking.

Dallas put in a waiver claim on Washington a couple of weeks ago, but they were awarded another player higher on their priority list. His addition could be a sign that Marion Barber will miss a week or two with his quadriceps injury.

Jacksonville is taking a risk by keeping just two tailbacks on the final 53; Maurice Jones-Drew and rookie Rashad Jennings. Greg Jones can carry the football in a pinch, but the Jags may be on the lookout for backs on the waiver wire. Despite Saturday’s cuts, NFL roster tinkering is far from over.

Dallas put a waiver claim in for Washington after the Jags cut him at the end of camp and was working on a practice squad deal all along. Special teams coach Joe DeCamillis liked Washington when they were both in Jacksonville.

Don’t take this as a sign that the team is confident Felix Jones (knee) will play this week; Dallas needs roster space to re-sign S Marvin White. It’s a necessary transaction because SS Gerald Sensabaugh is out indefinitely.