IRVING, Texas -- Darren McFadden said he's hopeful he'll be an active participant when the Cowboys begin their mandatory minicamp next week.
"I definitely plan on it," said the veteran running back Wednesday after the conclusion of the Cowboys' OTAs.
Given McFadden's history with injury problems, it's been slightly concerning to see him limited during the team's nine OTA practice sessions. The eight-year veteran has been nursing a hamstring problem -- though he said it's more precautionary than anything else.
"It's definitely frustrating," he said. "You want to always be out there taking plays and getting reps, but it's one of those things where I'd rather sit out now instead of pushing it."
Without McFadden taking part in full-team practices, Joseph Randle has been earning the lion's share of the reps as the Cowboys' top running back. If McFadden is given the green light next week, it's likely he'll be called on to share that load.
Next week's minicamp is the final stage of the offseason program before the Cowboys break for the summer -- though training camp is already less than 50 days away. McFadden is coming off a 155-carry, 534-yard effort during his last season in Oakland. If the Cowboys can have him fully healthy and available when they report for camp in Oxnard, Calif., it's unlikely they'll mind his limitation during spring practices.
"I love being in camp. It's the start of something and you have to really build on it," McFadden said. "We're going to get out there and work hard, and it's an exciting place to be. It's an exciting time for us. I'm definitely looking forward to it."
