Cowboys Place Dunbar On IR

The Dallas Cowboys placed backup running back Lance Dunbar on season-ending injured reserve Saturday and promoted wide receiver Vince Mayle from the practice squad.

Dunbar sustained a torn left ACL against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.

It was reported earlier in the week that Dunbar would be lost for the season, but the team made the roster move official Saturday.

Dallas is also without quarterback Tony Romo, wide receiver Dez Bryant, cornerback Orlando Scandrick and defensive end Randy Gregory with serious injuries.

Linebacker Sean Lee, however, is returning from a concussion he sustained against New Orleans.

Dunbar’s absence means starter Joseph Randle will be used more in passing situations and Christine Michael could have a bigger role in the running game. Darren McFadden is the team’s second-leading rusher.

Mayle, a rookie, was a fourth-round draft pick of the Cleveland Browns out of Washington State.