National Football League

Cowboys send DeMarco Murray home from practice because of illness

Published Dec. 25, 2014 8:41 p.m. ET

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Dallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray was sent home from practice Thursday because of illness, but the team expects him to play Sunday against the Washington Redskins in the regular-season finale, according to media reports.

Murray leads the NFL with 1,745 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns. He had surgery on his broken left hand Dec. 15 but did not miss a game.

The Cowboys have clinched the NFC East title. They could earn a first-round bye in the playoffs if they defeat Washington and neither the Seahawks nor Cardinals win this week.

"Looked like he was down in the dumps a little bit with a cold or a fever. Hopefully, it wasn't the flu," tight end Jason Witten told ESPNDallas.com. "But I think he showed last week what kind of toughness he has and what a pro he is. He'll bounce back. He'll be here, and he'll be ready to go."

Murray needs 29 yards rushing Sunday to eclipse Emmitt Smith's franchise record for rushing yards in a season. Murray participated in practice fully Wednesday for the first time since his surgery.

Linebacker Rolando McClain returned after missing practice Wednesday for personal reasons, according to reports. McClain's home in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, was destroyed by fire earlier this week.