FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Dallas Cowboys No. 2 running back Tashard Choice did not make the trip to Florida for the final preseason game against the Miami Dolphins with a bruised knee. Choice said he was being held out as a precaution and wouldn't say any more about his injury.
Choice had just returned to the Cowboys last week after missing nearly two weeks of training camp with a calf injury. The Cowboys were not planning on using their starters and it was uncertain if the team would play Choice if not for his injury.
With Choice at home, it appears DeMarco Murray, Phillip Tanner and Lonyae Miller will get the bulk of the carries in Thursday's preseason game.
In the Cowboys' 23-17 victory over the Minnesota Vikings last week, Murray and Choice made their preseason debuts as each recovered from injuries. Murray, in his first game since injuring a hamstring, finished with 32 yards on seven carries. Choice rushed three times for 14 yards, but had two long runs called back due to penalties.
Tanner and Miller are fighting for a roster spot and with no Choice in the lineup it gives the Cowboys' coaches a longer look at those two players.
Choice said he should be fine for the season opener Sept. 11 at the New York Jets.
Calvin Watkins covers the Cowboys for ESPNDallas.com.