Dallas Cowboys

Darren McFadden claims to be '100 percent' healthy now

Published Jun. 17, 2015 4:25 p.m. ET

foxsports

After missing the final few OTA practices with a hamstring injur, Dallas Cowboys running back Darren McFadden claims to be 100 percent healthy and he is fully participating in the team's mini-camp this week. McFadden needs all of the repetitions he can get as he attempts to learn a new offensive scheme and earn playing time in a wide open race at the position. Having dealt with hamstring issues in the past, McFadden was simply playing it smart by sitting out the final two weeks of OTA practices.

“I’m 100 percent and ready to go play ball,” McFadden said after Tuesday's practice, per The Dallas Morning News. “It felt great. We were just taking precautions, they didn’t want me to mess it up or anything crazy. Just being out there today, it felt great. I was out there running, opening up and just trying to do what I can do.

It seems like the missed practice time was truly just a precaution for the veteran. McFadden was asked about whether or not he could have practiced through the injury.

“I want to be out there fighting with my guys any time that I can." McFadden said. "As a younger player, I would have done that. But for now, we just want to make sure I’m healthy.”

McFadden will compete with Joseph Randle, Lance Dunbar and Ryan Williams to earn snaps at running back when the regular season rolls around. Until this point, Dunbar has made the most positive noise, but we are very early in the process. The running back battle will rage through training camp, and it is likely to be the most interesting one to keep track of.

(h/t Dallas Morning News)

Photo Credit: AP Photo/Brandon Wade