Brandon Wade/Associated Press

Joseph Randle went from the Dallas Cowboys' starting running back at the beginning of the 2015 season to being released Tuesday, as announced by the team.

Clarence Hill of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram first reported that the Cowboys cut ties with Randle. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport confirmed the transaction.

On Wednesday, Rapoport reported Randle was not claimed on waivers and has become a free agent.

Randle made six starts for America's Team but is facing a suspension for violating the league's personal-conduct policy. He registered 76 carries for 315 yards and four touchdowns this year.

Ed Werder of ESPN noted that the impending ban was part of the rationale for Dallas' decision:

The 23-year-old was a fifth-round pick in 2013 out of Oklahoma State and showed signs of promise backing up DeMarco Murray last season, averaging 6.7 yards per carry on 51 rushing attempts.

After beating out Darren McFadden and Lance Dunbar for the starting job in the wake of Murray's departure, Randle showed explosiveness at times but wasn't able to emulate his predecessor's impact as the NFL's reigning rushing champion.

Although Randle has been dealing with a strained oblique, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones expressed concern after about the young ball-carrier that extended beyond his ailment.

"I'm always concerned as to any issues regarding the [mental] health of a player. It's a lot more serious than the football [injury],” said Jones, via ESPN.com's Todd Archer.

On Wednesday, head coach Jason Garrett told reporters the team will "continue to use their resources" to help Randle after his release.

Despite Jones' also saying that the Cowboys would take their time assessing Randle's future, Tuesday's decision to abruptly cut him is rather alarming for those who'd consider picking Randle up.

Dallas is in the midst of a five-game losing streak and has turned to McFadden as the feature back. The big problem has been the absence of quarterback Tony Romo. The team has not won a full game started by Romo’s backups, Brandon Weeden and Matt Cassel.

It's going to take a gallant effort from McFadden to overcome the Cowboys' issues under center, put enough points on the scoreboard and help Dallas get off the skids. The NFC East is a weak and winnable division, but the Cowboys hardly appear competent enough at this point to defend the crown.

This recent episode involving Randle adds to the turbulence surrounding one of pro sports' most visible franchises.

Defensive end Greg Hardy and star receiver Dez Bryant have let their emotions boil over in rather embarrassing, public fashion of late. Hardy got into an altercation on the sidelines with an assistant coach in Week 7, and following Week 8's loss to Seattle, Bryant cursed at the media in the Dallas locker room.