The Dallas Cowboys are trying to figure exactly who they are with Brandon Weeden under center. The quarterback has made it clear that he can throw the deep ball while the team appears hesitant to let that happen. However, the lack of versatility in the offense caused the run game to struggle in the second half against the Falcons. As injuries continue to play a part in the team's season so far, Jason Witten is making it clear that he is fine while Christine Michael aims to make his season debut.
Witten has been dealing with injuries for some time now. He was listed on the injury report a week ago as having two sprained ankles and a sprained left knee. He still played and caught six passes for 65 yards as Weeden's go-to target and the tight end is making it clear that he is fine for Week 4. Weeden has been a full participant in practice the entire week which is a good thing for Weeden if he continues with the shorter throws.
"Early in the week it was a little tough trying to get some of that swelling out, but by the end of the week it felt really good," Witten said, via Todd Archer of ESPNDallas.com. "The trainers did a good job helping me out, so yeah, I think I'm past all that and feel good."
Weeden has promised that he could make the downfield throws if need be. Terrance Williams certainly hopes that is true along with Cole Beasley who had quiet games against the Falcons. With the Cowboys working Lance Dunbar in as receiving running back, that has taken targets away from the two receivers replacing Dez Bryant for the time being. Now another running back is being added to the mix to further complicate the offense.
According to Clarence E. Hill from the Star-Telegram, the Dallas Cowboys are close to getting Michael on the field as he is expected to make his debut with the team on Sunday. The Cowboys traded for Michael prior to the season beginning after he looked strong with the Seattle Seahawks. Offensive coordinator Scott Linehan told the media that the Cowboys are going off a running back by committee approach and Michael will add to that rotation. Joseph Randle has been the starter for the team while Darren McFadden is the goal-line back. It is unclear where Michael fits in.
"We're always keeping competition for the playing time," Linehan said, via the Star-Telegram. "We decide tomorrow, at the latest, Saturday, what we'll do. He's been getting a few more reps this week in practice with the first group, so that's good to see him work with our first group and other guys. He's making a lot of progress. I think he is doing a great job."
According to Hill, Michael was seen getting first-team reps during practice and there is the belief that he will play on Sunday at some point. He is a different back than Randle and McFadden. His 5-foot-10, 221-pound frame makes him a fast and physical back that could pressure the eight-man fronts that Dallas faces.