The Dallas Cowboys continue to make roster adjustments as they search for a win without Tony Romo. The Cowboys might have gotten Dez Bryant back in the mix, but that provided very little to the offense against the Seattle Seahawks. With Matt Cassel struggling, the run game becomes even more important, but the Cowboys are officially another body short in that aspect with the release of Joseph Randle.
The Cowboys' run game is now the Darren McFadden show. According to Todd Archer of ESPN.com, the Cowboys have released the troubled running back who had been struggling off the field. Randle is facing suspension following a violation of the league's personal conduct issue and the Cowboys opted to cut ties with the one-time starter. Randle's fall from grace was steep and quick with the Cowboys. He thrived at the start of the season in the lead role, but after losing the job to McFadden he dropped off the map.
"We don't want to go there as an organization as far as our relationship with Randle," owner Jerry Jones said, via ESPN.com. "We just think it's time for us to not have him on the roster. That's the decision we made today, and we stand ready to help him work through any of his other issues."
Preparing to face the Philadelphia Eagles in a key division matchup, McFadden will be the lead back. He has done well in the position over the past two games and could really prove the Cowboys were right to sign him over DeMarco Murray in Week 9. With Randle gone, Christine Michael has a chance to really earn some quality time on the field. Since arriving from the Seattle Seahawks, Michael's production has been slim. However, he is expected to see a lot of minutes and could emerge as a real threat to help Cassel out.
"Well, we've been pleased with how McFadden has basically stepped up his competitiveness," Jones said via ESPN.com. His resolve has given us a foundation and a leadership at the running back position. It's critical, so that's certainly a consideration and then we have a couple of young backs in Christine Michael and Smith that we think can really contribute to the team as well. We're in good shape at running back or we wouldn't have made this decision."
With Cassel not playing well, the Cowboys need the run game to be productive. Bryant will be on the field against the Eagles, but the team's secondary has really improved which could give the quarterback headaches all day. Bryant will continue as the lead threat while Terrance Williams and Jason Witten aim to make an impact as well.
