While Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said it appears the health status for fullback Tony Fiammetta has improved recently to the point that he could return to action, it won't be this week in Arizona.
And the Cowboys have also decided they won't be using tight end John Phillips as the primary fullback either.
That is why rookie fullback Shaun Chapas is on the 53-man roster, getting called up on Tuesday. Chapas is expected to have a role in the offense as the lead blocker for DeMarco Murray and Felix Jones, but also on special teams, too.
"I'm looking forward to it," Chapas said of making his NFL debut against the Cardinals. "I got the call the other day and I was pretty excited. I'm just going to keep working and go have fun on Sunday."
Chapas, a seventh-round pick from Georgia who has spent most of the season on the practice squad, is a true fullback, one that understands the position.
"It's fun to get out there and run our offense," Chapas said. "I'm real comfortable playing the position. Something I've done my entire career. It's something I feel real comfortable doing. Hopefully we'll have some good results."
It's no secret Murray has had more success behind Fiammetta, who served as the lead blocker against the Rams, Bills and Seahawks, when Murray rushed for 253, 139 and 135 yards respectively. And he also blocked for Murray against the Eagles, who forced the Cowboys into more throwing situations, but Murray still averaged 9.3 yards per attempt.
The Cardinals rank 20th in the NFL in rush defense, allowing 123.5 yards per game.
