The Dallas Cowboys lost to the Giants on Sunday and the team saw Joseph Randle go down with an injury, leaving Darren McFadden to have a big game and he could be a fantasy option with Christine Michael in Week 8. Dez Bryant may return for the Cowboys over the next couple weeks and this comes as the offense struggled with Matt Cassel starting on Sunday.
The Cowboys were hoping that Dez Bryant could return for this game after being out since Week 1 with a foot injury, but the wide receiver was not ready to come back. Fox Sports reports that Bryant is "50-50" for next week against the Seattle Seahawks and Mike Garafolo writes that the receiver is still dealing with some pain in his foot. Head coach Jason Garrett said he wants Bryant to get some solid practice time in before he returns and this week could determine whether the receiver can play or not.
Jerry Jones said to ESPN that Bryant "felt good" in his pre-game workout at MetLife Stadium and that could be another step in the right direction for his return. The Cowboys likely want Bryant fully healed before he comes back, but Bryant said to the Dallas Morning News that he can come back before he is "100 percent" healed. Bryant had foot surgery after playing the Giants in Week 1 and Jones said that depending on how Bryant feels this week, he has "a really good chance" to play against the Seahawks.
The Cowboys would love to have Bryant back, as Matt Cassel needs all the help he can get if he continues to start. Cassel stepped in for Brandon Weeden this week and he finished the 27-20 loss against the Giants with 227 passing yards and one touchdown with three interceptions. Cassel is expected to remain the starter next week against the Seahawks.
Joseph Randle had to leave the game for the Cowboys on Sunday and reports had the running back dealing with a "lower back strain" and that could lead to some limitations this week. According to Rand Getlin at NFL.com, Randle is dealing with an "oblique injury" and it's "similar" to the one he suffered earlier this year in the preseason.
The Cowboys reportedly wanted to push Christine Michael this week, but it was Darren McFadden who had the big game for Dallas. ESPN Cowboys reporter Todd Archer reported before the game that Randle was still the "lead ball carrier" for the Cowboys, but after rushing for just 24 yards and sitting out most of the Giants game, it could be McFadden in the lead next week. McFadden had 152 rushing yards for the best rush performance of the season for Dallas and he also added a rushing touchdown.
McFadden and Michael could be solid options for next week if Randle is limited or is out and against a tough Seattle secondary, Dallas could try and run the ball a bit more. Cassel needs to get Bryant back to have some more weapons on offense and this comes as Tony Romo still is not eligible to return. Romo is eligible to come off IR for the Dolphins game in Week 11.
