Felix Jones should be fine in six months

As much as it hurt, it wasn't a tough decision for the Cowboys to schedule season-ending surgery for RB Felix Jones.

Even if Jones toughed it out with a torn ligament under his left big toe, he wouldn't have had the explosiveness that makes him a big-play threat. The potential for long-term problems with the toe made it an easy decision to send the rookie to the operating room. Jones is expected to make a full recovery after getting the surgery done, which will happen Saturday in Charlotte, according to Jerry Jones.

"They told me in six months he'll be just the same," Wade Phillips said.

That means Felix Jones should be able to participate in most, if not all, of the Cowboys' minicamps and organized team activities.

As far as replacing the dynamic rookie for the rest of the season, the Cowboys will consider promoting Alonzo Coleman off the practice squad or perhaps signing a back off the street. The role of fourth-rounder Tashard Choice, who has 72 yards on 13 carries, could increase slightly. But Marion "The Barbarian" Barber will be asked to continue carrying the load as a workhorse while the Cowboys fight for a playoff spot.