Cowboys’ Murray out with a broken hand

NFL rushing leader DeMarco Murray has a broken left hand in what could be a damaging blow to the playoff hopes of the Dallas Cowboys.

Murray was set for surgery Monday and might be sidelined Sunday at home against Indianapolis, already a playoff qualifier. Even though the Cowboys just beat Philadelphia to take the NFC East lead, they might have to win both of their remaining games to end a four-year postseason drought.

If the Eagles beat division also-rans Washington and the New York Giants in their final two games, Dallas (10-4) could be knocked out by a loss to the Colts even with a win against the Redskins in the regular-season finale.

Cowboys Executive Vice President Stephen Jones said on his radio show Monday that it was “probably a tough expectation’’ that Murray would play against Indianapolis (10-4), though he wouldn’t rule it out. Neither would Coach Jason Garrett.

“The biggest question we have to ask ourselves is, is he functional to do his job,’’ Garrett said. “Can he hold the football, can he carry it under duress, can he block, can he do the things necessary to play the position. He’s as strong-willed and determined an individual as I’ve ever been around. If anybody has a chance to come back, he does.’’

Murray has 1,687 yards rushing and needs 87 yards to break all-time NFL rushing leader Emmitt Smith’s franchise record of 1,773 yards. The fourth-year back is 409 yards ahead of Pittsburgh’s Le’Veon Bell in the race for the rushing title.

AP