RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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The Oxnard portion of training camp is complete, with the final two preseason games remaining and 53-man roster cuts just days away. The Dallas Cowboys, like every other NFL team, have some tough decisions ahead of them as they weigh the pros and cons of many of their aspiring talents.
For the most part, the Cowboys have nailed down the bulk of their roster. Starting positions are largely set as are rotations and primary backups. But a handful of spots remain up for grabs and standout performances by a certain few bubble players could throw a wrench in the whole thing. Positions such as outside linebacker, running back and quarterback remain slightly unsettled. While Dallas seems to have clear preferences, things aren’t set in stone.
Here are three players to watch as they take on the Cardinals and over the next week.
Marist Liufau, OLB
The Cowboys suddenly have a numbers crunch on the edge. Veteran pass rusher Von Miller joins a crowded group that features the likes of Donovan Ezeiruaku, Malachi Lawrence and Rashan Gary. James Houston, arguably the best pure pass rusher of the bunch right now, has to battle to make the cut, let alone Marist Liufau. Even if the Cowboys go six-deep at edge, Liufau has to battle Sam Williams.
As things stand, Liufau is a player on the outside looking in. But he shines over the last week and stands out in preseason action, he could make things difficult on the Cowboys' decision makers. To help his chances, defensive coordinator Christian Parker has allowed him to also return to the competition at inside linebacker.
Jaydon Blue, RB
The Cowboys want Jaydon Blue to earn his way onto the roster in the worst way; the only problem is he hasn’t. Blue followed his disappointing rookie season with a disappointing training camp and now faces an uncertain future as Dallas contemplates their running back depth chart.
Blue, just returning from injury, may not get much, if any, action in the final preseason games. With little to nothing on film for the league to see, the Cowboys could probably sneak him onto their practice squad this year. One big run or one highlight play in the preseason could change that. If Blue dazzles on national TV, it may demand a roster spot.
Joe Milton, QB
The Cowboys want Joe Milton to win the QB2 spot this year, and so far, he’s on track to do it. Milton has shown more consistency and reliability than ever before. Combined with his elite traits, and he’s becoming an ideal developmental player behind Dak Prescott.
Just in case he can’t continue his steady play, the Cowboys have Sam Howell waiting in the wings. Howell has a full season of starting experience under his belt and as such, is a more predictable performer. His upside pales in comparison to Milton’s, but if Milton craps the bed in these last few days, Dallas might have no choice but to go with Howell instead of Milton.
Milton doesn’t have to be a star; he just has to show consistency and trustworthiness.
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This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: 3 players who could make 53-man roster decisions tough on Cowboys
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