The Dallas Cowboys are in the midst of changing up their offensive identity just five games into the 2015 NFL season. After reportedly informing Brandon Weeden that Matt Cassel will take over as the starting quarterback until Tony Romo returns, comes this bit of news:
Acquired from the Seattle Seahawks in a preseason trade, Michael has put up just two attempts for five yards on the year. All said, Michael has played a total of two snaps this season.
Losers of three consecutive games, the Cowboys need to find a way to get the ball rolling on offense. They put up just two field goals in a 24-point loss to the New England Patriots on Sunday. Without the services of both Romo and Dez Bryant, getting new blood in on offense might not be a bad thing.
Considered an under-the-radar fantasy play prior to the season, Randle is averaging less than four yards per attempt this year. Though, his four touchdowns (three coming in one game), has him as the ninth-best fantasy running back through five weeks.
The decision to consider replacing Randle with Michael in the lineup doesn't seem to make a whole lot of sense. While the latter was seen as a high-upside player when he entered the NFL as a second-round pick of Seattle in 2013, he's tallied just 54 rush attempts in two-plus seasons. Seattle also gave up on him in the preseason for a seventh-round pick.
In terms of what type of fantasy impact this could make moving forward, the biggest news to come from Cowboys-land on Wednesday is that rookie La'El Collins will replace Ron Leary as the starting left guard.
With Pro Bowl-caliber performers at every other offensive line position, this is a move that makes a ton of sense. Collins dominated in the preseason and was considered a top-10 pick in the 2015 NFL draft before he was dragged into a murder case that saw him eventually cleared. This could have a major impact for whoever is seen as the Cowboys lead back coming out of their Week 6 bye.