Cowboys' Morris confident he can handle lead role: 'I still have it'

If the Dallas Cowboys' worst-case scenario with Ezekiel Elliott comes to pass and his holdout extends into the regular season, Alfred Morris has no concerns about his ability to take over as the No. 1 running back.

"I'm always ready. Any of these backs would say that," Morris told Rob Phillips of the Cowboys' official site. "That's what we do. We love what we do. We're good at what we do. Any of us could be featured.

"I'm definitely confident in myself that I can be a featured back. I still have it."

Dallas brought Morris back on a one-year deal Monday, adding the former Pro Bowler to a highly inexperienced group that includes rookies Tony Pollard and Mike Weber, and four-year veteran Darius Jackson.

Morris, 30, spent the 2016 and 2017 campaigns with the Cowboys. With Elliott suspended for six games during the latter season, Morris helped keep the offense afloat with 430 yards and one touchdown on 99 carries.

If Elliott misses time due to the contract standoff, the veteran isn't a lock to take over the lead role but said he'll do everything he can to hold off the three running backs vying for the spot.

"No, they didn't give me assurances, but that doesn't matter," Morris said. "I'm Alfred. I'm going to come and do what I have to do. I'm always going to show up and give it my best.

"Whatever they do on the back end, that's up to them. It's not my business."

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