After losing three consecutive games, Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett is reportedly making drastic changes on the team's starting lineup during their high-profile Week 7 match versus the New York Giants at the MetLife Stadium on October 25, most notably replacing Joseph Randle with former Seahawk Christine Michael as the starting running back.
CBS Sports reported that Randle is not the only one who is going to be replaced as veteran Matt Cassel is set to take over Brandon Weeden in the middle while rookie La'el Collins will also relieve Ronald Leary of his left guard duties.
Garrett hopes that these three main lineup modifications will help the Cowboys go back to their winning form as they still wait for the return of superstars Tony Romo and Dez Bryant from separate injuries.
Randle, who handled 142 carries so far this season, had been Garrett's choice in the Dallas backfield for the first five weeks of the season. His more illustrious primary backup, Darren McFadden, got 93 snaps while Lance Dunbar had 91, but the 49-year-old coach opted for Michael after bye week, who will reportedly bring "a different look" for opponents because of "his size and physicality".
Meanwhile, CBS Local indicated that the Cowboys hope that playing the young and sturdy Collins at the left guard spot will help open up holes for Michael to rush through. Leary is said to be playing through an injury, which is said to be the reason why he had surrendered two sacks and four quarterback hurries in his 114 snaps this season so far.
Collins had not relinquished any sack, hit, or hurry in his 57 snaps to date.