RADIO
One broken right foot. One broken left clavicle. One broken offense for fantasy owners to, by and large, avoid. The injuries suffered in consecutive weeks by wide receiver Dez Bryant and quarterback Tony Romo have all but drained the fantasy productivity expected from Dallas.
Two words on Romo's replacement Brandon Weeden: stay away. Do not take a sip of whatever Kool-Aid he was trying to brew by completing all seven of his pass attempts in relief against Philly last Sunday.
The only Dallas receiver worth considering, even with Romo still at the helm, was Terrance Williams, who hauled in four balls for 84 yards and a score against the Eagles. Williams was pressed into number-one duty with Bryant's injury. Tony Romo's top receiver is always worth owning. But sans Romo, Williams' value has plummeted accordingly. There is little reason to believe he can be a viable fantasy option catching passes from Weeden.
Dallas' backfield situation is murky, with Joseph Randle tallying 18 totes versus 10 from Darren McFadden last week. The Cowboys' offensive line remains superb, however, and Randle owners can actually expect an uptick in his production, if only through sheer volume. It is safe to say that Romo's injury will prompt Jason Garrett to increasingly rely on the running game, and Randle figures to benefit from that strategic shift. He will see more stacked boxes, but he will also see more opportunities.
Elsewhere on the 'Boys offense, Jason Witten has two sprained ankles and is questionable to suit up this Sunday against Atlanta. Witten owners will likely need a replacement this week, and they should definitely consider other long-term options, in light of Witten's age and now quarterback situation.
As for those poor souls who still have Bryant, Romo, or (eek) both - they are both worth hanging on to if you have a bench spot to spare. Romo in particular is expected back in time for Weeks 14-16, when most leagues have their playoffs. If Dallas can tread water and remain atop a weak NFC East through Romo's recovery, he will return to a hungry team still set on making some noise. Likewise, while Bryant's timetable to return is lengthier than Romo's, you will be kicking yourself if you let Dez go and he returns in mid-November to join a fully-healthy Romo.
Until then, exercise extreme caution in deploying any member of the Cowboys' offense in your pursuit of fantasy glory.
