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Dallas Cowboys: The O-line may be a bigger worry than they’re letting on

By Daniel Ruppert

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - AUGUST 29: Mike White #3 of the Dallas Cowboys looks for an open receiver against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first quarter of a NFL preseason game at AT&T Stadium on August 29, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - AUGUST 29: Mike White #3 of the Dallas Cowboys looks for an open receiver against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first quarter of a NFL preseason game at AT&T Stadium on August 29, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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The Dallas Cowboys initially kept eleven offensive linemen on the active roster so today we ask if this is a worry or something else?

With all the projections of the Dallas Cowboys final 53 man roster, very few people predicted they would keep eleven players on the offensive line. Are the Cowboys worried about the line or is there another reason to keep so many players. The answer could be a little bit of both.

The Cowboys initially kept; Tyron Smith, Connor Williams, Travis Frederick, Zack Martin, La’el Collins, Cameron Fleming, Joe Looney, Xavier Su’a-Filo, Adam Redmond, Connor McGovern, Brandon Knight. Connor McGovern would later be moved to IR, so now it’s ten players, but the point remains the same. The biggest surprise here is Brandon Knight.

There is a thought that the Cowboys could possibly trade either Looney, Su’a-Filo, or Redmond. However, there is a possibility they keep everyone if they are concerned about the health of their starters. In the upcoming weeks we should know the real answer, but health could be a real issue.

Tyron Smith and Zack Martin both have had some back issues and while the word coming out of Cowboys’ camp has been one of a positive nature, they could be more worried then they are letting out. Add in Travis Frederick returning from Guillain-Barré Syndrome that could mean three starters have some type of potential health issue. However, they could all be fine and the Cowboys decided to go heavy.

Trades are a possibility as well. If the Cowboys want to boost their safety, tight end, backup quarterback, or even kicker positions, then a trade of one of the backups certainly has a possibility. Su’a-Filo and Looney have played well when they have been played. Solid offensive line play is something valuable to every team in the league.

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The two unknowns are Adam Redmond and Brandon Knight. Redmond played a total of 14 games over the last 2 years, however, has only started one. Knight was an undrafted player who made a name for himself in preseason. The value of both, however, is their flexibility to play more than one position on the line. Best guess is Knight was kept on the 53 man roster because they didn’t think he would clear waivers.

If one of the other linemen are traded, the value of being able to play mutiple positions will increase. Health or not, the depth on offensive line is always welcome. The reason for keeping eleven could be health or trade value, either way, there is value.

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The bottom of the 53 man roster always gets churned. McGovern heading to injured reserve could be used for Ezekiel Elliott if and when he is signed. A trade could leave the Cowboys with nine offensive linemen, which is the usual over the past few years. Zeke’s signing could start a wave of other moves, so as we wait for him to sign, we can only guess what will happen beyond that.

  • Published on 09/03/2019 at 12:30 PM
  • Last updated at 09/03/2019 at 06:47 AM
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