IRVING, Texas -- Dallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray is officially listed as questionable, but the team has some optimism that he will be able to play Sunday against the Detroit Lions.
Murray went through a third straight limited practice after missing last week's game against the Philadelphia Eagles with a sprained knee suffered against the Washington Redskins.
"He's got a real shot," executive vice president Stephen Jones said of Murray. "Wouldn't say for sure. I think it's still questionable but we'll kind of see how he feels after today's practice and we'll see how it feels on Sunday and we'll make a decision. ... We want to do right for DeMarco for the season not just one game."
If Murray cannot play, then rookie Joseph Randle would make his second straight start. The Cowboys will also welcome back running back Lance Dunbar, who missed the past two games with a hamstring injury.
Starting safety J.J. Wilcox was ruled out of Sunday's game against the Lions because of a sprained right knee suffered in Thursday's practice, but the Cowboys do not believe he will miss much time.
"It should be short term," Jones said. "It's similar to what DeMarco (Murray) has."
Rookie Jeff Heath will replace Wilcox in the starting lineup and the Cowboys could call up a player from the practice squad with only three safeties on the 53-man roster.
Wide receiver Miles Austin (hamstring) is questionable and was limited on Friday. Austin was probable last week and played against the Eagles but did not have a catch. Coach Jason Garrett mentioned resting Austin to make sure he gets healthier for the second half of the season.
Defensive end DeMarcus Ware is listed as doubtful for the second straight week because of a quadriceps strain. He has not practiced the past two weeks and is likely to miss his second straight game.
Wide receivers Dez Bryant (hamstring, wrist) and Dwayne Harris (hip), defensive end George Selvie (shoulder), guard Ronald Leary (knee), defensive tackle Nick Hayden (back), defensive end Jason Hatcher (stinger) and cornerback Morris Claiborne (migraine) are probable. Rookie linebacker DeVonte Holloman will miss his second straight game with a neck injury.