The Dallas Morning News confirms that Marion Barber's future with the Cowboys is "uncertain."

Set to make $4.25 million in 2011, Barber is a good bet to be released. He fell far behind Felix Jones last season, not even showing his trademark power in short yardage. The Morning News notes that Barber was just 11-of-17 on third- and fourth- and one plays. Barber's tank appears empty as he heads toward his age-28 season.

Marion Barber rushed three times for three yards in Sunday's win over the Eagles.

Barber didn't even get in the game until midway through the third quarter. Showing an extreme decline in effectiveness this season, he is a poor bet to be back with the Cowboys at $4.25 million in 2011. The worn down Barber rushed for just 374 yards in 13 games, averaging 3.3 yards per carry. He'll likely hit the open market with numerous red flags.

Cowboys RB Marion Barber was not benched following a 15-yard penalty for excessive celebration in Week 16.

Said interim coach Jason Garrett, "It was a mistake and he knew it and we had to move forward from it." As Cowboy fan George Bush once put it, "fool me once, shame on - shame on you. Fool me - You can't get fooled again." Don't expect Garrett to afford Barber the same leniency in Week 17, as the running back will likely get benched if he commits another boneheaded penalty.

Marion Barber III carried the ball just eight times for 58 yards and a touchdown in his return to the Cowboys Week 16.

Barber ran with fresh legs, and looked especially impressive on his 24-yard touchdown run when he imposed his will on several Arizona tacklers at the five-yard line, and forced his way into the end zone. Otherwise, he gained most of his other yards on a 25-yard run through the hole. While home-run hitting is not Barber's forte, the Cowboys would surely like to see what they have in the six-year veteran before he is due $4.25 million in 2011. Barber doesn't get enough touches in Dallas' crowded backfield to be a fantasy option.

Marion Barber (calf) and Roy Williams (groin) are both active for the Cowboys on Christmas night.

Cowboys RB Marion Barber (calf) is active Week 16 against the Cardinals.

Cowboys Coach Jason Garrett has indicated that he will use a three-man committee once Barber returns, so Marion's presence hinders the upside of Felix Jones and Tashard Choice. Only Jones carries flex value while Barber should remain on fantasy benches and waiver wires despite an inactive Joey Porter.

Marion Barber (calf) participated in Cowboys practice Wednesday.

MB3 practiced last week, but was inactive against the Redskins. He may only be on the game-day roster Saturday night if Felix Jones sits out at Arizona.

Marion Barber (calf) field punts and did some running in Tuesday's walkthrough practice.

Barber is unlikely to be in the mix for punt returns in Week 16. More likely, he was simply using the exercise to test his calf. Barber may return to action this week, though we no longer expect him to eat into Tashard Choice's workload.

Marion Barber (calf), who has been limited in practice this week, isn't expected to participate against Washington.

Felix Jones will again draw the start, and Tashard Choice will divvy up carries against a Washington team that appears to be playing for little more than elevation in April's draft order. Jones got the majority of halfback touches and scored on a 3-yard run against Philadelphia Week 14, so he looks to be the lead horse in the Cowpokes' backfield as their disappointing season winds down.

Marion Barber (questionable, calf) was limited in Cowboys practice Friday.

The Cowboys have dropped subtle hints that Barber will play against the Skins. Tashard Choice would become a much less desirable fantasy spot start if Barber does. MBIII remains the favorite for goal-line carries in Dallas.

Marion Barber (calf) was limited again in Thursday's practice.

Barber is expected to return to game action this week, and coach Jason Garrett hinted that his top three backs will all have a role. We suspect Barber will take over for Tashard Choice as the goal-line back if he's active.

Cowboys interim coach Jason Garrett indicated that he would use a three-man committee in the backfield once Marion Barber (calf) is ready.

"One of the positive things for those guys is they have been in tandem backfields really throughout their whole careers - in college and certainly here in the NFL," Garrett said. "It's something they are comfortable with, and we will continue to do as we've done in the past." We expect all three to get their touches, with Felix Jones as the No. 1 Tashard Choice as the No. 2 and Barber as the No. 3 who will possibly see the goal-line work.

Despite Marion Barber's (calf) return to a "limited" practice Wednesday, Cowboys interim coach Jason Garrett was noncommittal when asked after the workout whether Barber will play in Week 15.

"He's been making progress," Garrett said. "There's clearly a difference between that kind of progress and being able to play in a ballgame. It's important for him to be able to go out there and start to practice and see if he is able to start moving toward playing in a game." Look for Tashard Choice to back up Felix Jones again. The Cowboys host the Redskins on Sunday.

Marion Barber (calf) is back at practice Wednesday.

Barber has missed the last two games, but he should be active this week. With Tashard Choice struggling in short-yardage opportunities, Barber could go back to being the goal-line back, but we don't anticipate him seeing too many touches. Choice should still serve as the No. 2 back behind Felix Jones.

Cowboys declared RB Marion Barber, DL Clifton Geathers, OT Jermey Parnell, LB Kenwin Cummings, OL Phil Costa, OL Sam Young, QB Tony Romo, LB Victor Butler inactive for Week 14.

Tashard Choice is expected to handle the majority of touches in Dallas' backfield. John Kitna will start under center, as Tony Romo isn't expected back until Week 16 at the earliest. Geathers was just claimed off of waivers from Seattle last week, and is still learning the Cowboys' playbook.

Marion Barber (calf) has been ruled out for Week 14.

Tashard Choice will take his place against the Eagles.

Marion Barber (calf) was held out of practice again on Friday.

Barber hasn't practiced in two weeks and won't play Sunday. Owner Jerry Jones has changed his tune dramatically on Tashard Choice after last week's game, now stating that Choice has "probably earned a lot of carries" over the final four weeks.

Marion Barber (calf) sat out again on Thursday.

Barber is expected to be held out for the second straight week, and he's in danger of losing his job to Tashard Choice.

Marion Barber (calf) missed Cowboys practice on Wednesday.

Barring unexpectedly remarkable late-week improvement, MB3 won't be active against the Eagles on Sunday night. He's droppable in most fantasy leagues.

Marion Barber's status is considered "day to day" this week.

Former NFL scout Bryan Broaddus, now working for ESPN Dallas, has a "strong feeling" that Barber will sit out a second straight game. With Tashard Choice producing the Cowboys' second 100-yard performance of the season in Week 13, there's no reason to rush Barber back against the Eagles. Owner Jerry Jones hinted that Choice will be a mainstay in the backfield going forward.