Cowboys activate Darren McFadden; Jaylon Smith officially done for year

Smith, a rookie linebacker from Notre Dame, has been dealing with nerve damage in his knee

The Dallas Cowboys officially ended Jaylon Smith's season and added another running back, Darren McFadden, to their already explosive backfield.

On Tuesday, the Cowboys (11-2) made two important roster movies.

One, they moved Smith to injured reserved. Drafted in the early second round by the Cowboys, Smith has yet to play this season because of a nerve issue in his knee, which he hurt in his final game at Notre Dame. The linebacker was viewed as a top-10 prospect before suffering the injury and the Cowboys always knew that there was a chance he wouldn't play this season. It turns out Smith will have to wait until next year to make his professional debut.

Still, Jones expressed optimism about Smith.

Jerry Jones on why he's so optimistic about Jaylon Smith (knee): "Because he does have the kind of rejuvenated feeling regarding his nerve."

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) December 13, 2016

Meanwhile, the Cowboys' leading rusher from a year ago is now available to play. McFadden eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark a year ago, but has dealt with an elbow issue this year, which began when he slipped by a pool and broke his elbow over the summer.

McFadden will serve as depth behind the league's leading rusher, Ezekiel Elliott, and Alfred Morris. The Cowboys rank second in the NFL with 152.2 rushing yards per game.