IRVING, Texas – Jason Garrett said Thursday that he doesn't see Felix Jones acting differently now that he has stepped into the Dallas Cowboys' starting running back spot.
The Cowboys coach says there's no increase in effort or change in demeanor at practice because Jones is someone that always goes hard.
"He practices hard and tries to prepare himself as best he can for games," Garrett said. "Certainly, there's a natural tendency when you're going to get more carries, whatever any of us does in those kinds of situations. But Felix is a very motivated guy who wants to be a heck of a football player."
Jones, who has been bumped up the depth chart because of DeMarco Murray's sprained left foot, said the increased workload just gives him some added confidence.
"It makes you know that you're going to go out there and provide help for your team, so you got to be ready," Jones said Wednesday. "I was ready when I was coming in and even more ready right now. It gives you a boost of confidence to go out there and play."
Jones has started 17 games in his five seasons with the Cowboys. After Murray suffered a season-ending fractured right ankle against the Giants in December, Jones became the starter for the final three games, carrying 37 times for 162 yards and catching 10 passes for 70 yards.
The 22nd overall pick in the 2008 draft has five career 100-yard rushing games, which includes a 148-yard effort in a 2009 playoff victory over the Eagles.
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