Matt Cassel Could Make Cowboys Debut Sunday Vs. Patriots As Backup QB

Quarterback Matt Cassel wasn’t active for his first two games with the Dallas Cowboys, but that all could change this Sunday.

Cassel, who was drafted by the Patriots in the seventh round of the 2005 draft, says he will be active for Dallas’ game Sunday against New England.

“I felt like I had a great two weeks,” Cassel told ESPN’s Todd Archer on Friday. “It was a good lead in. I felt like I’ve learned a lot. I feel like I’m capable of running the offense at this point.”

The Cowboys acquired Cassel in a trade with the Buffalo Bills on Sept. 23 after Brandon Weeden took over as the starter for an injured Tony Romo.

And after sitting out back-to-back weeks, Cassel is starting to get the hang of things.

“I think it’s a little bit of both (being on the field during practice and in meetings),” Cassel said. “Obviously, the combination that you spend both studying it and learning, but then being able to apply it and go out there and watching it and at the same time, running some of those plays has been huge.”

The former Patriot also played an important role in practices this week thanks to his knowledge of New England’s system.

“A lot of familiar concepts on there. Hopefully, we gave them a good look,” Cassel said.