NFL Notes: 49ers, Cowboys, Dolphins, & Texans

49ers

According to Jason Cole of the Bleacher Report, the 49ers are already doing research on head coaching candidates outside of the organization.

Cowboys

A source tells Ian Rapoport that he expects RB DeMarco Murray to play through his hand injury.

“He’s tough, he has a high pain threshold & he feels good,” Rapoport’s source said. “Wouldn’t be surprised if he plays.”

Dolphins

Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald reports that Dolphins owner Stephen Ross has shown “no indication that he has any interest in making a coaching change.“

Many have said that the Dolphins could be one of the team’s to pursue Jim Harbaugh next year, but Beasley mentions that Miami has “no desire to be used as leverage” in Harbaugh’s negotiations.

Sources tell Beasley that Ross has shown no interest in firing HC Joe Philbin as of now.

Texans

Ian Rapoport reports that the Texans are “leaning towards” starting Case Keenum in Week 16.

“Just talking to sources involved in the situation it seems that Case Keenum — who just a couple days ago was on the Rams’ practice squad after being cut by the Texans early in the year — it seems he is the favorite to start over Thad Lewis, who was brought in mid-year,” Rapoport said.