The season before Ezekiel Elliott arrived on the scene in Dallas, the Cowboys were pleasantly surprised by the performance of one Darren McFadden. The former Oakland Raiders first-round pick put up 1,417 total yards back in 2015.
He’s now no longer a member of the team. According to multiple media reports, the Cowboys have waived the 30-year-old veteran.
As frustration grows with the #Cowboys, changes are on the way. RB Darren McFadden is getting waived, CB Anthony Brown is getting demoted, and pass-rusher Datone Jones will be signed, sources say. pic.twitter.com/uUDc4jWkw0
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 26, 2017
It’s not really that big of a surprise considering that McFadden has been unable to crack the active roster, even after Elliott was forced from action to suspension three games ago.
With McFadden no longer in the mix, Alfred Morris and Rod Smith will continue to share duties at running back until Elliott returns from suspension in Week 16.
The Cowboys have lost all three of their games without Elliott in the mix by a combined 70 points. They now sit at 5-6 on the season and on the brink of falling out of playoff contention in the NFC.
As it relates to McFadden, it’s likely he will be picked up off waivers. His 2017 salary is less than $1 million, making it easy for a contending to team take a chance on the veteran.