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Dallas Cowboys: Targeting the Recent Cuts

By Daniel Ruppert

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As the entire NFL starts trimming it’s rosters to 53 over the next few days, intriguing players are sure to be available to the Cowboys.

Over the next few days, the Dallas Cowboys will be looking for someone to add to the roster. The question at hand is who and at what position? Who and what position the Cowboys target isn’t as simple as just picking up any running back, or just any old backup quarterback. There are injuries, depth issues, and glaring holes that might need to be addressed on this Cowboys team as well.

Most early roster cuts are made up of players who were nothing more than roster fillers in the first place. However, every year there are also several big names who hit the chopping block, and this year is no different.

The two headlining running backs cut this week were Fred Jackson and Trent Richardson. At 34, Fred Jackson is most certainly on the downward side of his career. There just isn’t likely to be too much tread left on his tires. He could be a situational guy at this point, but since the Cowboys are are already rich in situational running backs, he’s not a very good fit.

Trent Richardson is a big name many people are clamoring for, but having never averaged more than a 3.6 YPC in his career, it’s more about name recognition than actual talent. Neither player is a viable starting option, nor do they appear to be an upgrade over what the Dallas Cowboys currently have as depth.

One of the biggest cuts this week is offensive guard Donald Thomas. Thomas, still recovering from a muscle tear in his quadriceps, is a proven player who could provide depth to the Cowboys’ most important unit.  The Cowboys could be patient with Thomas, keeping him inactive as he recovers from injury and regains form.

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While the Cowboys might not be readily looking for a backup QB (although I wouldn’t understand why), there could be someone cut in the next few days that could instantly upgrade the position. Before anyone says it, Robert Griffin III, is not worth the spot. He hasn’t adapted at all to the NFL style of QB like his similarly-athletic and mobile counterparts have.

The other problem with RGIII, is that by all accounts, he has become somewhat of a cancer in the locker room. It’s been said his teammates don’t support him and the coaching staff doesn’t trust him. It seems his teammates don’t even like helping him off the turf after a big hit. That’s a small thing, but worth noting. I don’t think RGIII would be an upgrade to anything the Dallas Cowboys currently have at QB.

There are sure to be other options at CB and WR/KR that will be out there as well, but it’s hard to imagine anyone will be better than what the Cowboys have. It will be interesting to see, not only who the Dallas Cowboys cut, but who ends up on the practice squad. There will be some shuffling at the bottom of the roster for special teams, depth, and injury replacements, but one thing is for sure, the Dallas Cowboys aren’t looking for starters.

Next: Cowboys Film Review: Standouts and Observations From Dress Rehearsal

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