The Dallas Cowboys could look at Trent Richardson and other roster cut players at running back heading into the regular season and this comes as Darren McFadden and Joseph Randle are battling to be the starter ahead of Lance Dunbar for Tony Romo. The Cowboys have Rolando McClain healthy, as he was able to pass a physical and come off the PUP list.
UPDATE: There have been reports that Montee Ball could be a trade option. Check here for more.
The Cowboys have Randle and McFadden as the top options on the depth chart and the team has not yet named an official starter for Week 1. No matter who starts, the Cowboys are expected to use both players along with Lance Dunbar, but the number one should end up getting more carries. The Cowboys are trying to replace DeMarco Murray and he previously had over 450 touches last season and that is a lot of production to make up.
According to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, the Cowboys could consider adding another running back after teams make roster cuts. The site reports that VP Stephen Jones said that the position is one "of interest" after cuts happen and that could mean a fourth player behind McFadden, Randle and Dunbar. Trent Richardson could be an option after his release from the Oakland Raiders, but right now there has not been much interest in the former first round pick from the Browns.
Randle had the lead to start earlier in the summer, but now the race is closer with McFadden and it still could be up for grabs with a week to go before the season starts. DallasCowboys.com writes that there are "media reports" coming out that the team is "leaning towards" starting McFadden, but in practice those reports have been unfounded. Randle has been working as the starter in team practices and Garrett could make a decision soon.
Check here for more on the Cowboys RB situation and more on McClain.
The Cowboys saw Rolando McClain come in and pass his physical and that means he will be on the active roster for a short time. According to Pro Football Talk, McClain is facing a suspension and after being on the physically unable to perform list in training camp, he was able to pass a physical to get off the PUP list. McClain later will be moved to the reserve/suspended list to deal with his ban for violating the league's substance-abuse policy, but now he is healthy and should come back play for the Cowboys.
Last season McClain had a comeback season for the Cowboys after being out of the NFL, putting up 81 total tackles and one sack with two interceptions in 14 games played. McClain will be out for part of the season, but the Cowboys are hoping that he can continue the success from last season. AJ Jenkins could be an option to stick on the roster, as head coach Jason Garrett said the wideout has been working hard in camp and the preseason. The team has Dez Bryant, Cole Beasley and Terrance Williams as well as Devin Street, so it could be tough to make the roster.