FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the preseason finale on Thursday. This is a ‘last chance’ game for many players to showcase their ability on the gridiron in hopes of making the Cowboys’ final 53-man roster.
Jason Garrett made it clear that special teams play will be a helpful deciding factor in roster spots.
“ Players who can make plays on special teams ups their chances,” Garrett commented.
The major roster competition battle to pay attention to is wide receiver. In order for the passing game to be effective, Dak Prescott needs reliable receivers who can get open on routes. Amari Cooper, Randall Cobb, and Michael Gallup are locked in. The Cowboys’ will more than likely keep seven receivers on the roster to coincide with Kellen Moore’s versatile offensive scheme.
That leaves Tavon Austin, Noah Brown (PUP), Cedrick Wilson, Reggie Davis, Devin Smith, Jon’vea Johnson, and Jalen Guyton in question who are competing. From a statistics standpoint, Devin Smith leads the pack with a touchdown against the Rams in week two and the most receptions (12), and receiving yards (157) of the group. Cedrick Wilson is next with six receptions for 73 yards.
Here is a breakdown of the stat participation chart:
Week one at San Francisco
WR- Austin (1 for 5) Johnson (3 for 30) Guyton (2 for 14) Cooper (DNP)
WR- Cobb (0) Wilson (3 for 36)
WR- Gallup (2 for 19) Davis (0) Smith (3 for 54) Brown (DNP/PUP)
Week two at L.A. Rams
WR- Austin (2 for 12) Johnson (1 for 9)
WR- Cobb (1 for 7) Smith (3 for 24, 1 TD) Davis (2 for 13)
WR- Gallup (1 for 31) Guyton (0)
Week three vs. Houston Texans
WR- Austin (1 for 22) Johnson (1 for 2)
WR- Cobb (1 for 10) Smith (6 for 79) Davis (1 for 5)
WR- Gallup (1 for 12, 1 TD) Wilson (3 for 37) Guyton (0)
Consistency is key for these guys on Thursday against Tampa Bay, along with fluidity on routes and ball control against coverage. That will be the determining factor in who remains inside the bubble and who does not.
