Pondering Cowboys' 46: DL health factors in final spot
December, 13, 2014
By Todd Archer | ESPNDallas.com
IRVING, Texas -- When I wondered earlier this week if Henry Melton would be inactive Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles, some of you snickered or worse. Melton could have Josh Brent's calf injury to thank if he plays this week.
As we ponder the Dallas Cowboys' 46-man roster for Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles, the final spot comes down to the defensive line, as it seems to always do.
Let's take care of the inactives we already can guess: quarterback Dustin Vaughan, tackles Donald Hawkins and Tony Hills, linebacker Dekoda Watson and defensive end Kenneth Boatright.
With Jeff Heath returning to the lineup after missing two games because of thumb surgery, that should put Jakar Hamilton back on the inactive list. Boatright was called up from the practice squad this week, but I just can't see the Cowboys turning to him with three games to go.
So now it's down to Brent, who is listed as doubtful, and Melton, who leads the Cowboys in sacks. I realize there are people who think it's foolish to even consider sitting Melton, but there are plenty of people around Valley Ranch who want more from Melton. Had DeMarcus Lawrence been healthy last week against the Chicago Bears, Melton likely wouldn't have had his homecoming against his former team.
Lawrence is healthy this week but Brent hurt his calf in Wednesday's practice, putting his availability in question.
The only other possibility to get a ninth defensive lineman to the game would be to de-activate wide receiver Devin Street. Two weeks ago I asked coach Jason Garrett if Street's game-day spot could be in jeopardy and he all but shot it down because if something happened to Dez Bryant or Terrance Williams they would need another outside receiver. I would counter that you could get through a game with Dwayne Harris or Gavin Escobar playing outside and worry about the issue for the next game.
So that's why the final spot comes down to the defensive line.
Here is the guess at the inactives: Vaughan, Hills, Hawkins, Boatright, Watson, Hamilton and Brent.