As if playing the Steelers isn’t challenging enough, the Cowboys will have to do it without their standout running back Marion Barber, who will not make the trip to Pittsburgh.

The Cowboys official website reported Saturday that Barber’s dislocated toe will keep him out of Sunday’s game against the Steelers, meaning rookie running back Tashard Choice will make his first NFL start. Choice replaced Barber on Thanksgiving Day against Seattle and proceeded to rush for 57 yards. But as the week progressed and as Barber continued not to practice, the signs looked more and more ominous. Now it is official.

With Barber and Felix Jones out, Choice’s backup will be running back Alonzo Coleman, whom Dallas signed off its practice squad this week. Coleman has spent the past two seasons on Dallas’ practice squad and never played in an NFL game.

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