Running backs

Cowboys' NEED METER

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The Cowboys are set at tailback with Marion Barber, Felix Jones (recovering from toe surgery) and Tashard Choice.

The job of offensive coordinator/assistant head coach Jason Garrett will be to incorporate all three into the offense, which would take pressure off the passing game.

Barber's first foray into full-time duty didn't work out as expected, especially when a toe injury severely limited him late in the season. The tough-to-tackle Barber remains a goal-line force, but he averaged only 3.7 yards per carry after averaging 4.5 over his first three seasons.

Jones was electrifying early in the season because of his speed and showed he could be a factor in the passing game. But a hamstring injury knocked him out, and then he injured a toe in rehab. Choice excelled when called on late in the season against some of the NFL's top defenses. He needs work in the passing game, but can be effective between the tackles.

Alonzo Coleman is a favorite of owner and general manager Jerry Jones because of his speed. But Coleman saw only a handful of snaps when called up from the practice squad and did not get a carry.

If there is a need, it could be at fullback. Deon Anderson improved as a lead blocker and is willing to play special teams, but he has had trouble staying healthy. Julius Crosslin spent the year on the practice squad.

The Cowboys will not target a tailback or fullback in Free Agency. They could pick up an undrafted player to help keep the workload down in training camp.

ON THE ROSTER

Marion Barber, Felix Jones, Tashard Choice, Deon Anderson, Julius Crosslin, Alonzo Coleman (exclusive rights free agent)

SOME AVAILABLE FREE AGENTS

Brandon Jacobs NY Giants

Derrick Ward NY Giants

Darren Sproles San Diego

Correll Buckhalter Eagles

Dominic Rhodes Colts

Cedric Benson Bengals

Cowboys FREE-AGENT ANALYSIS SERIES

-Sunday: Quarterbacks

Today: Running backs

-Tuesday: Tight ends

-Wednesday: Wide receivers

-Thursday: Offensive line

-Friday: Defensive ends

-Saturday: Defensive tackles

-Sunday: Outside linebackers

-Monday, Feb. 23: Inside linebackers

-Tuesday, Feb. 24: Cornerbacks

-Wednesday, Feb. 25: Safeties

-Thursday, Feb. 26: Specialists