The Dallas Cowboys will reportedly start Matt Cassel against the New York Giants after the team's bye week, according to ESPN's Ed Werder.
The Cowboys have reportedly informed quarterback Brandon Weeden that they will go with Cassel after the bye week, according to Werder. Weeden has lost all three starts since becoming the Cowboys starting quarterback after Tony Romo broke his collarbone. Romo has been place on injured reserve/designated for return, and is expected back by week 11 against the Miami Dolphins.
The Cowboys have four games until Romo is expected to return, but after losing 30-6 to the New England Patriots this past Sunday, the organization likely felt it was time for a change.
That change will come from Cassel, for whom the Cowboys traded earlier this season. Cassel has taken no regular season snaps this year, and will likely need plenty of practice with the first team the next two weeks. The last significant time Cassel played was last season for the Minnesota Vikings. In three games last year, Cassel went 1-2 and threw three touchdowns to four interceptions.
While Cassel and Weeden both don't have the numbers to argue for a starting job in the NFL, at least Cassel has the experience. Cassel is in his 11th season in the NFL, and the Cowboys are likely hoping the veteran can earn them a couple wins before Romo's return.
The Cowboys are expecting wide receiver Dez Bryant back for the Giants game after the bye week, but head coach Jason Garret wants to see him practice first. If Bryant is back on the field against the Giants, it will likely make Cassel's first start for the Cowboys less difficult.
