The Dallas Cowboys have stressed they are committed to Matt Cassel for the remainder of the season with the playoffs out of reach, but just how long will that remain true? With an eye on the future, Cassel is clearly not in the long-term plans for Dallas. The team is starting to think about their quarterback future with Tony Romo's injury list growing longer. Heading into Week 15, backup Kellen Moore is starting to get first-team reps.
According to Charean Williams of the Fort Worth Star Telegram, Moore has been getting first-team reps in practice heading into Week 15 which may or may not be a sign that the Cowboys could be looking to play him at some point. Offensive coordinator Scott Linehan has made it clear that he is a big fan of Moore. The two worked together in Detroit and then the quarterback was signed following another Romo injury. After a successful stint at Boise State, Moore has yet to throw a pass in an NFL game, but that could change with the Cowboys in the final three games of the season.
"There's no bigger believer in Kellen Moore than myself," Linehan said, via the Fort Worth Star Telegram. "There's probably a few guys back in Boise and some guys back in Detroit, but I believe in him. But in the same breath, I think our rallying cry is that it's not just the quarterback position even though the quarterback position has to play better. We made the decision this week that we've all got to do better for the quarterback position. If we do that we'll be able to get this thing turned around and move forward. But we've got all the confidence in those guys, whoever we have in the game, to do the job."
Could Cassel's contract help Moore get on the field? According to Todd Archer of ESPN.com, if Cassel is the starting quarterback for the remainder of the season, he can make an extra $1.2 million in incentives. With the playoffs not in the picture anymore, it is not crazy to think that Moore might see some time on the field. Head coach Jason Garrett denied that idea that Moore was getting first-team reps to start over Cassel. The coach is committed to the veteran playing out the year just like he is committed to Dez Bryant getting as much time on the field as possible.
"Embrace the opportunity," Garrett said, via ESPN.com. "It's our job as coaches to prepare them in the meetings and the walk-through and the practice and it's their job to come with the right mindset and energy to take full advantage of those opportunities. We recognize the challenge on Saturday night. It's a good football team we're playing. We've got to get ourselves ready and I think our team has responded well."
The Cowboys are preparing to face a New York Jets team that is aiming for the postseason. Darren McFadden and Robert Turbin will play a huge part in that matchup as the team's top cornerbacks will have Bryant and Terrance Williams covered. Cassel will need to play his best game if Dallas is going to get a win.