DeMarco Murray refuses to be slowed by hurting hand

ARLINGTON, Texas – Tony Romo handed DeMarco Murray the ball on the first play of Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts, and the Dallas Cowboys running back tucked it into his left forearm, his left hand gripped around the nose of the ball.

It was almost as if Murray was trying to prove a point.

Yes, his surgically-repaired left hand might hurt, but it wasn't going to stop him.

Murray, the NFL's rushing leader, wound up with 21 more rushes on Sunday in the 42-7 win against the Colts, just six days after surgery to repair the broken bone. He finished the game with 58 yards – a grinder type of day with only 2.6 yards per carry – and one touchdown.

"It was hurting throughout the game, but I made my mind up a long time ago that I was going to play," Murray said. "So I was happy to be out there, happy to do whatever I can do to contribute to this team."

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Still, Murray had to prove to his coaches and teammates that his balky hand would not make him a liability. In that regard, it is notable what Murray didn't do in his three quarters of work. He didn't fumble, and he didn't take any hits that caused further damage to his hand.

"He's a man through and through, certainly this team is first and foremost to him, and I just admire the fact that he went out there," said Cowboys vice president Stephen Jones. "And not only went out there, but played tough and played hard. I think he inspired our offense."

Murray needs 28 rushing yards next week against Washington to reach 1,773 yards for the season to Emmitt Smith's franchise rushing record.

Cowboys' owner Jerry Jones said Sunday evening that he did not envision resting any of the Cowboys' starters in Week 17.

"I just checked, and [Murray] came through with flying colors," Jerry Jones said. "How would you like to have your hand broken and then have 20 players out there trying to step on it? It takes a lot of courage to play."

Follow Lindsay H. Jones on Twitter @bylindsayhjones.