The Cowboys' latest loss could be Ray Rice's gain.

Dallas running back Lance Dunbar was carried off in a stretcher on Sunday night after hurting his knee during a kickoff return in a loss to the Saints.

Ray Rice Must Demonstrate To Cowboys, Browns That He Can Still Play To Get Consideration

Replays showed Dunbar's knee buckling underneath him, and he was unable to put any weight on his left leg after the incident, the Dallas Morning News reported. The Cowboys fear Dunbar will miss the rest of the season.

Dunbar, part of the Cowboys' three-headed monster at running back, had a season-high 54 yards rushing on just three carries against the Saints, including a career-high-tying 45-yard run in the first quarter.

Murder Trial Suspect Refers To Ray Rice In Her Defense

On the season, Dunbar had 21 receptions for 215 yards.

The Cowboys now have lost another key weapon for backup quarterback Brandon Weeden as he tries to manage the ship for injured Tony Romo. The offense already is without star wide receiver Dez Bryant.

Rice was rumored to be a Cowboys' prospect in the preseason as it sought to replace DeMarco Murray, who signed with the rival Eagles in the offseason. Dallas instead signed Raiders free agent Darren McFadden and later added former Seahawks fullback Christine Michael.

The Cowboys, losers of two straight since Romo broke his left clavicle in a victory over the Eagles in Week 2, are relying on the oft-injured McFadden to share a greater load with Randle.

Rice was a durable back for the Ravens, missing just three games during his six-year NFL career. He also has not been hit in a game since the 2013 season and should be as healthy as any free-agent running back the Cowboys look at.

Dallas should be one of the few teams willing to absorb what could be massive scrutiny over signing Ray because it already has signed defensive end Greg Hardy, who was found guilty of assault and communicating threats against a former girlfriend.

Hardy has served a four-game suspension and is scheduled to return next week against the Patriots. So the Cowboys already have set a precedent for giving second chances for domestic violence offenses, which is what Rice is so desperately seeking.

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