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5 Cowboys worth keeping a close eye on vs Arizona Cardinals
By: C.C. Boorman
As the Cowboys go through their final preparations for their dress rehearsal, their fans might end up feeling a bit disappointed over who they might not get to see dressed to the nines in this nationally-televised game against the Arizona Cardinals.
Probably no Dak Prescott. Almost a certainty no Ezekiel Elliott. Possibly no Tyron Smith. No Zack Martin or Travis Frederick. No Xavier Woods. Probably no first-round draft pick Leighton Vander Esch either. Some of the front-line players suiting up for the first time this year, like Cole Beasley, may have short leashes.
So, who’s left to see? Plenty.
TE Rico Gathers
Is there anywhere else to start? Gathers has been quite the discussion for the past week after another exhibition circus catch. The state of the Cowboys TE corps is not especially flashy, so the idea of Gathers morphing into an Antonio Gates clone is exciting for the fanbase. His acrobatics are clearly evident. He now must put it all together on the national stage.
The team has allocated Gathers some first-team reps in the hopes to either give them more to evaluate or possibly generate some mild trade interest. A smart eye will watch his blocking and adjusting his assignments on the fly. Those are key areas every Dallas tight end needs to execute well, should they intend to don the star when the games count.
OG Kadeem Edwards
The Cowboy interior OL is beaten up, and the door remains wide open for an additional interior protector to make the team. The unavailability of Travis Frederick and the status of Zack Martin’s hyperextended left knee emphasizes the importance of the eighth offensive lineman and right now Edwards appears to be the clubhouse leader.
The team needs something to feel good about here, both from a talent standpoint and psychological peace of mind.
The first two preseason contests were not the best for Edwards, so even with attrition in the ranks, he still has a lot to prove. He did make a minor headline this week in a camp scuffle with Tyrone Crawford, so at least the intensity is there.
It could be argued Edwards has as much to gain or lose from this game than any other Cowboy. If he does well, he cements a spot as a reserve since system familiarity and continuity is so important on an offensive line. If he fails to impress, the organization will likely scour the waiver wire over the next few weeks for the role he is currently in the running for.
WR Deonte Thompson
Thompson has been a scratch the first two weeks of the preseason and missed the majority of practice time in Oxnard as he has nursed a strained Achilles. He has deemed himself ready to play and appears confident.
The deep-speed element was why Thompson was targeted in free agency, but reputation can only go so far. He should get a good look as a kickoff returner for a team which hasn’t clearly identified one. Thompson may have to stand out to reel in a spot as the sixth WR as Terrence Williams, Allen Hurns, Cole Beasley, Tavon Austin and rookie Michael Gallup are roster locks.
S Tyree Robinson
Robinson is the beneficiary of the hamstring injury to Xavier Woods and now has a golden opportunity with a solid outing to earn a job as a safety reserve.
Thus far he has been able to break away from the rest of a weak group of reserve DBs and now has a clear lane ahead for a successful roster bid. The Cowboys will likely carry at least four safeties and none of his competition has been able to stand out.
After a strong announcement of his presence against Cincinnati, Robinson will attempt a breakthrough onto the 53-man roster.
QB Mike White
It was expected that White would push Cooper Rush for the backup spot behind Prescott but that has not materialized. Rookie growing pains during very poor pass protection have robbed him the chance to distinguish himself and he is firmly the third wheel in the QB room, making more highlights from practice than in two preseason games.
The amount White plays in this game will be just as interesting to note as how well he plays. He will participate, but will the team try to limit his exposure in the hopes of hiding him?
White he has a strong supporter in QB coach Kellen Moore. Given the investment of a fifth-round pick, Dallas would like to keep him in some capacity, even if he cannot justify making the team on the 53-man roster.
Unfortunately, with injuries piling up, it may be impossible for the roster to hold three quarterbacks. If it is, then Dallas will try to sneak him onto the 10-man practice squad.
In the event White plays extensively and looks good in the process, there could be another Matt Moore-type scenario presenting itself to the roster decision makers.
By: C.C. Boorman
As the Cowboys go through their final preparations for their dress rehearsal, their fans might end up feeling a bit disappointed over who they might not get to see dressed to the nines in this nationally-televised game against the Arizona Cardinals.
Probably no Dak Prescott. Almost a certainty no Ezekiel Elliott. Possibly no Tyron Smith. No Zack Martin or Travis Frederick. No Xavier Woods. Probably no first-round draft pick Leighton Vander Esch either. Some of the front-line players suiting up for the first time this year, like Cole Beasley, may have short leashes.
So, who’s left to see? Plenty.
TE Rico Gathers
Is there anywhere else to start? Gathers has been quite the discussion for the past week after another exhibition circus catch. The state of the Cowboys TE corps is not especially flashy, so the idea of Gathers morphing into an Antonio Gates clone is exciting for the fanbase. His acrobatics are clearly evident. He now must put it all together on the national stage.
The team has allocated Gathers some first-team reps in the hopes to either give them more to evaluate or possibly generate some mild trade interest. A smart eye will watch his blocking and adjusting his assignments on the fly. Those are key areas every Dallas tight end needs to execute well, should they intend to don the star when the games count.
OG Kadeem Edwards
The Cowboy interior OL is beaten up, and the door remains wide open for an additional interior protector to make the team. The unavailability of Travis Frederick and the status of Zack Martin’s hyperextended left knee emphasizes the importance of the eighth offensive lineman and right now Edwards appears to be the clubhouse leader.
The team needs something to feel good about here, both from a talent standpoint and psychological peace of mind.
The first two preseason contests were not the best for Edwards, so even with attrition in the ranks, he still has a lot to prove. He did make a minor headline this week in a camp scuffle with Tyrone Crawford, so at least the intensity is there.
It could be argued Edwards has as much to gain or lose from this game than any other Cowboy. If he does well, he cements a spot as a reserve since system familiarity and continuity is so important on an offensive line. If he fails to impress, the organization will likely scour the waiver wire over the next few weeks for the role he is currently in the running for.
WR Deonte Thompson
Thompson has been a scratch the first two weeks of the preseason and missed the majority of practice time in Oxnard as he has nursed a strained Achilles. He has deemed himself ready to play and appears confident.
The deep-speed element was why Thompson was targeted in free agency, but reputation can only go so far. He should get a good look as a kickoff returner for a team which hasn’t clearly identified one. Thompson may have to stand out to reel in a spot as the sixth WR as Terrence Williams, Allen Hurns, Cole Beasley, Tavon Austin and rookie Michael Gallup are roster locks.
S Tyree Robinson
Robinson is the beneficiary of the hamstring injury to Xavier Woods and now has a golden opportunity with a solid outing to earn a job as a safety reserve.
Thus far he has been able to break away from the rest of a weak group of reserve DBs and now has a clear lane ahead for a successful roster bid. The Cowboys will likely carry at least four safeties and none of his competition has been able to stand out.
After a strong announcement of his presence against Cincinnati, Robinson will attempt a breakthrough onto the 53-man roster.
QB Mike White
It was expected that White would push Cooper Rush for the backup spot behind Prescott but that has not materialized. Rookie growing pains during very poor pass protection have robbed him the chance to distinguish himself and he is firmly the third wheel in the QB room, making more highlights from practice than in two preseason games.
The amount White plays in this game will be just as interesting to note as how well he plays. He will participate, but will the team try to limit his exposure in the hopes of hiding him?
White he has a strong supporter in QB coach Kellen Moore. Given the investment of a fifth-round pick, Dallas would like to keep him in some capacity, even if he cannot justify making the team on the 53-man roster.
Unfortunately, with injuries piling up, it may be impossible for the roster to hold three quarterbacks. If it is, then Dallas will try to sneak him onto the 10-man practice squad.
In the event White plays extensively and looks good in the process, there could be another Matt Moore-type scenario presenting itself to the roster decision makers.
