Earlier this week Darren McFadden was touted as the "likely" starter at running back for the Cowboys in Week 1, but Dallascowboys.com is now pointing toward Joseph Randle as the RB1. Of course, trading for ex-Seahawks backup Christine Michael did nothing to clarify the situation.
"Right now, it appears the Cowboys are leaning toward Randle as the starter," Cowboys.com's Nick Eatman wrote. Randle was the primary backup to DeMarco Murray in 2014, but he saw very limited action as Murray led the NFL in rushing yards (1,845) and carries (392). Randle carried the ball 51 times for 343 yards and three touchdowns while averaging 6.7 yards per rush.
Dallas Newspaper Calls McFadden The "Likely" Starter
When asked about the addition of Michael to the backfield, Randle didn't say much. "They're going to do what they've got to do," Randle said.
"That's their job. That's way above my head. I have to make sure I do whatever I have to do to be on the team."
Randle May Start, But Will Still See Limited Action
Jason Garrett spoke to reporters and didn't give away any clues to which way he is leaning. He simply praised both Randle and McFadden, who appear to be the two main competitors for the starting role in Week 1.
" Joe Randle has proven he can be an inside runner. He's proven he can be an outside runner. He can be an explosive runner when he's gotten opportunities in NFL games for us last year. Go back and watch the tape," Garrett said.
"Certainly McFadden has been able to do that throughout his career, in college and the NFL when he's been healthy. So I feel good about those guys being able to do whatever we ask them to do at a high level."
Both Garrett and owner Jerry Jones have spoke well of Randle and McFadden, but the fact that neither has been able to separate themselves in training camp should lead fantasy owners to pay close attention to Michael, a second round pick in 2013 with tremendous upside.
Once he gains familiarity with the Cowboys' scheme, he will begin to wedge himself into the committee, and will likely take over at some point. McFadden's lengthy injury history provides an even clearer path for that scenario to take place.
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