After three consecutive losses without Tony Romo as starting quarterback, the Dallas Cowboys intend to start with Matt Cassel under center when they come back from the bye week. Cassel will be taking over Brandon Weeden.
Tony Romo is still dealing with collarbone injury so the team replaced him earlier with 32-year-old Weeden. Cassel was only acquired by the Cowboys last month, but he has already taken the place of Weeden after the latter reportedly failed to perform in his starting position.
The team is currently in their bye and have roughly a week and a half to prepare Cassel for the upcoming game against NFC East-leading New York Giants on October 25.
Dallas' decision to choose Cassel is likely due to his experience. He made 71 starts for New England, Kansas City, and Minnesota and delivered 33 wins, compared to Weeden's five.
"There are a lot of different reasons you make a decision like this. You evaluate the quarterback and what we're asking them to do on a daily basis and weekly basis. Also at this position, you look at how the offense is performing and this position has an impact on the entire offensive unit. It certainly has an impact on how the team is performing. Sometimes it's fair and sometimes it's unfair but it's the nature of the position," Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett said.
Weeden was apparently not too happy about losing his position. "How do you think I took it? Obviously I'm pissed. I told them (coaching staff) how I felt. They know how I feel. They know I'm pissed," he told USA Today when asked about his reaction. Nevertheless, he added that he would handle the decision "as a pro" and would not "throw a pity party" for himself.
Meanwhile, it seems that the Cowboys will get another boost next week as rookie defensive end Randy Gregory, who has been out with high ankle sprain since the season opener, is reportedly returning after the bye week.
The rumors of his return were sparked by NFL Networks' Ian Rapoport, who tweeted "Along with the other potential changes for #Cowboys, pass-rusher Randy Gregory expected back after the bye from a high-ankle sprain."
The rookie suffered an ankle injury during the team's September 13 season opener against the New York Giants. It is possible that he will return in time for the October 25 rematch at New York following the bye week.
"He was out on the practice field at the end of last week doing some stuff, so hopefully he responds well to that work and we'll take him day by day this week," coach Garrett said on Monday.
