In a shocking move, the Dallas Cowboys waived running back Tashard Choice on Saturday, Oct. 29. Choice has seen himself slip into the doghouse over the year with fumbling problems, although head coach Jason Garrett publically defended the runner. However, right before Dallas boarded a plane to head to Philadelphia, they chose to cut ties with the four-year back.
Choice seemed to take it in stride when he left a tweet concerning the move: "I just want to say thanks to all the great dallas cowboy fans. My time in Dallas has come to an end and the best is yet come. God bless."
Choice finished his tenure in Dallas with 1139 rushing yards in four years as well as eight touchdowns. In 2011, Choice finished his time with the Cowboys with 75 rushing yards and no touchdowns.
The release leaves the starting job this week wide open for rookie DeMarco Murray, with fellow rookie Phillip Tanner as his backup. When Felix Jones returns from his injury, Jones and Murray will possibly split carries from here out in 2011.
This is not the first time that Choice has found himself on the outside looking in at an Oklahoma Sooners star. Choice originally came to the University of Oklahoma to play football but found himself ranked behind a youngster named Adrian Peterson in the lineup. He chose to leave Oklahoma and found stardom at Georgia Tech.
Now, at Dallas he found himself dropping to at least third on the depth chart behind Felix Jones and Oklahoma Sooners record holder DeMarco Murray. He just can't seem to catch a break, but with a fumble in two games in a row as well as a 2.7 ypc average on the year, it was time for Choice to go.
What is unfortunate is that Dallas received nothing for Choice. Jerry Jones talked about trading him before the deadline but Felix Jones was hurt and the Cowboys held onto him. Now, they have released him for nothing. Even a late round draft pick would be worth a trade looking back on the opportunity.
With an injured shoulder, he might have trouble getting a shot somewhere, but with the number of injuries in the NFL running back corps so far this year, someone might take a chance on him. Detroit needs help at running back right now. As for Dallas, this might mark the start of the DeMarco Murray era.
Author Shawn S. Lealos has followed the Dallas Cowboys since he was a child, his favorite players range from Roger Staubach and Tony Dorsett to the Triplets of the 90s. Through the great years of the '90s and the hard times of the '80s, Shawn never turned his back on America's Team.
Source: Dallas Cowboys Website
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