Dallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray has insisted that he "respects" coach Jason Garrett's decision to bench him following a failed play during a pre-season match on Saturday.

Murray was hauled off against the Cincinnati Bengals when he fumbled on just his second possession of the game, with Phillip Tanner coming on in his place.

However, Murray did return to the game at the start of the second half and believes that Garrett was merely trying to send a message about how important it is to keep the ball.

"We know how important the ball is. I think there's different approaches to go about it, so they chose to go about it that way. And I respect that. Just got to take care of the ball. At the end of the day, that's the whole message," Murray told reporters.

"Let it marinate a little bit. It was a little frustrating, I got to be honest. But I'm just trying to make plays. I'm a competitor. I wasn't mad at anyone, I wasn't pouting on the sidelines, I wasn't anything. I was waiting for my opportunity to get back in the game. Once my number was called, I was ready to play.

"As a competitor, you're never happy to not be in the game. Like I said, he's a smart coach, great coach, I'm always going to be behind him, and whatever is best for the team, I'm all for it."

Murray finished the match with a seven-yard touchdown and 51 yards on 12 carries.