Callahan: Injuries mean that all line combos are alive, including Frederick at guard, Costa at center
The Cowboys had hoped to use training camp to solidify questions along the offensive line and develop some chemistry there with rookie center Travis Frederick.
But a rash of injuries to open camp and during camp, including the latest setback with guard Ron Leary undergoing minor knee surgery, has left everything in flux.
They still hope to entice veteran guard Brian Waters off his couch in Waxahachie and join the Cowboys with a one-year contract after they return home from camp next week. But short of that, they could move Frederick to guard and play backup Phil Costa at center.
That would give them a chance to put their best five lineman on the field though it may not be the best position for Frederick.
But playing him at guard would better than going with the disappointing David Arkin to start the regular-season opener against the Giants if Leary or Nate Livings, who is also out because of minor knee surgery, aren't ready to go.
Arkin will start at guard opposite Mackenzy Bernadeau in Saturday's preseason game against the Cardinals. Look for Frederick get snaps at guard during the game as well.
“We’re two guards down at that spot," offensive line coach/offensive coordinator coach Bill Callahan said. " We’ll have to see what we do going forward. We really haven’t finalized anything. I think all combinations are alive. We just haven’t settled on one. We’ll see how they respond and make our plans accordingly. We haven’t announced anything, and we’re not going to until after the game. We’ll look at some other combinations possibly or maybe just stay where we’re at. We’ll get a good evaluation.’’
Clarence Hill
