Alfred Morris signed a two-year, $3.5 million deal with the Dallas Cowboys to compete for the starting running back job with Darren McFadden.

But Morris' future with the Cowboys became uncertain after the team drafted Ezekiel Elliott fourth overall. 

With McFadden breaking his elbow and out three months, Morris will have an improved opportunity to win a spot on the Cowboys' roster.

“You never want anyone to get hurt; I haven’t thought about it as an opportunity because I thought the coaches did a good job splitting our reps and giving everybody an opportunity to showcase what they can do,” Morris said. “With him gone, it doesn’t change much honestly.

“What it does change is that we don’t have our leader in the room -- that savvy vet that’s been doing it for quite some time.”

Morris must improve his grasp of the playbook.

“I feel like they jumbled three or four playbook together, so I’m starting to get it,” Morris said. “I want to get to the point, where I can play a little faster without having to think.

“I have a lot to learn [because] a lot has been thrown at us so I’m studying at home, studying between meetings and things like that.

“The hardest aspect is the protections. You can run the ball and catch the ball, but if you can’t protect the franchise [Tony Romo], then you’re no good to them. You have to be able to cover every scenario, because if you can’t, you’ll find yourself on the bench real fast.”