FRISCO, TEXAS — Following the NFL’s cut down day, the Dallas Cowboys placed right tackle La’el Collins (hip), strong side linebacker Sean Lee (sports hernia), and wide receiver Ventell Bryant (knee) on injured reserve. That means they are removed from the 53-man roster and will not be eligible to return for three weeks.
Dallas filled the three freed up roster spots with recent cuts: veteran linebackers Joe Thomas and Justin March-Lillard and cornerback C.J. Goodwin. All three will have a large role on special teams. Special teams coordinator John Fassel told Dallas media, “ It’s a really nice mix of veteran special teams guys like Joe and Justin March, C.J. Goodwin mixed with some youth. They have been good mentors and I expect great performances from all of them-especially the veterans-right away.”
The Cowboys signed Cam Erving during the offseason to be the club’s swing tackle and he will likely start at right tackle in place of Collins opposite Tyron Smith for week one. Dallas also has Brandon Knight and Terrance Steele on the roster for depth purposes.
“Cam is doing a heck of a job, “ Mike McCarthy remarked. “ He just has excellent flexibility and he’s probably a week or so behind the other guys because of the time he missed. But he obviously has a ton of experience and I think he’s getting more and more comfortable with what we’re asking him to do.”
With Lee out, the team could potentially play more nickel packages, utilizing only the MIKE and WILL backers. In a base 4-3 defense, five-year vet Joe Thomas is expected to start as the SAM backer.
With Bryant’s injury, the Cowboys now have six receivers on the roster including Amari Cooper, Michael Gallup, CeeDee Lamb, Cedrick Wilson, Noah Brown, and Malik Turner, who was added to the 53 on Sunday.
