The Dallas Cowboys’ opening game of the preseason offered a wealth of lessons. Throughout the game, it became clear that the Cowboys have adequate depth in the secondary and at linebacker. Despite not seeing the field, Trevon Diggs, DaRon Bland, Jourdan Lewis, Malik Hooker, and Donovan Wilson, the defense managed four interceptions.
The battle between wide receivers and tight ends has intensified on the offensive side of the ball. Jalen Cropper, a star from training camp, was fantastic once more. It will be difficult for Mike McCarthy to leave Cropper off of the 53-man roster.
McCarthy will fortunately find that some choices are simpler than others. Selecting which tight ends to hold onto became much simpler following Sunday’s show.
No one played particularly well in the match, although Peyton Hendershot, a third-year professional, got injured in his shoulder. Because of his injury, Hendershot was unable to participate in last week’s joint practice with the Rams, which has cost him crucial in-game experience that may have helped him establish his worth on the team.
Certain players who put out excellent performances during camp and the preseason should not be left off the roster. Yet, an injury can seriously harm a player’s prospects of making the squad. Hendershot is currently firmly on the bubble of the roster, thus in order to join the team over the next two weeks, he must both heal quickly and perform well.
In Hendershot’s absence, the Rams saw five tight ends play. Brevyn Spann-Ford and Racey McMath took the lead with 23 and 26, respectively, in snap counts. John Stephens Jr. (17 snaps), Luke Schoonmaker (18 snaps), and Princeton Fant (19 snaps) were not far behind.
Hendershot isn’t necessarily farther down the depth chart than the others, either. Racey McMath will undoubtedly be cut after suffering two drops on Sunday.
But Fant, who was trusted to play 30 snaps on special teams in the two games he played last year, is a favorite of the coaching staff. In reality, Fant was included in the Dallas Morning News’ most recent 53-man roster estimate by David Moore (subscription required).
Spann-Ford also received some of the highest guaranteed sums of any undrafted free agent from the Cowboys. With his massive stature, Spann-Ford is an extremely strong blocker. He might benefit from a year on the practice squad, which might provide Hendershot an opening.
