Cowboys' Lance Dunbar: Able to run routes during minicamp

Although he wasn't a participant during Tuesday's minincamp, Dunbar (knee) was able to run routes on the side, David Helman of DallasCowboys.com reports.

Analysis:

That's encouraging news for the scatback, but the Cowboys likely won't know until training camp begins whether Dunbar has a shot at being ready for Week 1. Even if he is far enough along in his recovery from a torn ACL to avoid the PUP list, his role could be a lot smaller this season with fourth overall pick Ezekiel Elliott expected to become the team's new three-down back, lessening the need for a passing-down specialist like Dunbar in the offense.