Source: Matt Cassel taking over as Cowboys quarterback

The Dallas Cowboys will make the switch at quarterback from Brandon Weeden to Matt Cassel in an effort to change things up and end their three-game losing streak, according to sources.

The Cowboys have not won a game since quarterback Tony Romo went down with a fractured collarbone in Week 2.

The three-game losing streak is the longest of coach Jason Garrett’s career and has extended Weeden’s personal streak of futility to 11 games as a starter, dating to his rookie season in Cleveland.

Garrett hinted of a possible change in the aftermath of Sunday’s 30-6 loss to the New England Patriots, saying the Cowboys would evaluate the quarterback position during this week’s bye.

Team vice president Stephen Jones doubled down when speaking to the Little Rock Touchdown Club on Monday: “Don’t be surprised if we think about a quarterback change with Cassel.”

Owner Jerry Jones said on his radio show Tuesday morning on KRLD 105.3 FM that the quarterback evaluation was ongoing.

But according to sources, the decision has already been made in-house to go with Cassel when the Cowboys return to action Oct. 25 against the New York Giants.

The Cowboys will practice for the first time Wednesday.

Cassel was acquired in a trade from the Buffalo Bills on Sept. 22 as insurance in case Weeden couldn’t do the job.

The Cowboys acknowledged then that the situation was too important to leave it to chance.

Cassel has more experience than Weeden, more NFL success and is expected to be more accurate and a better decision-maker.

The Cowboys, who are desperate to keep their season and playoff hopes alive until Romo’s expected return Nov. 22, are hoping Cassel can spark what has been a diminishing and limited offense under Weeden.

The Cowboys failed to get a first down on six of their first seven possessions against the Patriots and they never reached the end zone.

Weeden, who played solidly in his first two starts, albeit losses to the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints, melted down against the Patriots.

He passed for only 36 yards in the first half en route to completing 26 of 39 passes for 188 yards and an interception. His quarterback rating was 67.0. Weeden’s streak of 11 consecutive games without a win is the longest in the NFL.

Weeden has been criticized for checking down too much and not going down field with the ball, which has allowed teams to stack the box against the run as well.

“You just need to have some things that help you win the game,” Jones said. “Those are usually, for the offense, 20-yard-or-more plays. … That’s what I would hope that we could get from the quarterback … some big plays.”

Briefly

▪ Texas trooper Stephen Lister faces a procedural review for having his photo taken with running back Christine Michael during a traffic stop on a Dallas-area toll road hours before Sunday’s game, the Department of Public Safety said. The car appeared to violate window tint laws. No citation was issued. Lister, in later conversations with “his chain of command,” realized his error in judgment and was apologetic for the incident.

▪ Wide receiver Vince Mayle was waived.

▪ Running back/returner LaMichael James will work out this week, according to a source. The Cowboys rank 21st in starting position after kickoffs.

Staff writer Charean Williams contributed to this report.

This story was originally published October 13, 2015 at 5:10 PM with the headline "Source: Matt Cassel taking over as Cowboys quarterback."