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Joseph Randle A Locker Room Problem In Dallas?

Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Joseph Randle has had a tumultuous season so far, mostly for off-the-field reasons. As the Dallas Cowboys prepare for the second half of the NFL season, is the backup running back becoming a problem in the locker room?

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The Dallas Cowboys need star running back DeMarco Murray to stay healthy this season. That is true for a number of reasons, mainly because Murray is arguably the league MVP so far and could be on his way to breaking multiple rushing records.

Another reason a potential Murray injury might be an issue is the unsteady situation with their backup running back. Joseph Randle is undeniably talented, but he has started to create some problems off the field.

Those issues started when Randle was arrested for shoplifting last month. Granted, that seemed to blow over fairly quickly. Randle did not miss any action because of the incident and even earned an underwear endorsement. Some issues cropped up this week, however, as Randle was involved in an altercation with teammates, including Dez Bryant.

Cowboys’ head coach Jason Garrett addressed that drama this week, but there might still be lingering issues with Randle and how he fits in the Dallas locker room. According to Ed Werder of ESPN:

"The meeting was described as tense, and Garrett seriously considered whether Randle’s continued presence on the team might be an impediment to harmony in the locker room.When asked if Randle would play on Sunday against the Cardinals and remain part of the team, one source answered, “Randle is staying for now.”"

Talent wins out in most situations, and goodness knows that the Cowboys have dealt with off-the-field issues in the past. Furthermore, the backup running back for the Cowboys is one of most important reserves in the league at the present moment.

The Cowboys won’t mess with that situation for now, but Randle might find himself on the move this off-season if there is continued unrest because of him.

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