What we can learn from Dallas Cowboys’ first roster cuts

By David Helman
FOX Sports activities Dallas Cowboys Author

IRVINE, Calif. — We had been by no means more likely to be shocked by the Cowboys‘ first bout of roster cuts.

In any case, these 5 cuts are the primary of the preseason, with two extra weeks till the ultimate minimize to 53. Every week from now, NFL groups will waive 5 extra guys previous to their ultimate exhibition video games. 

In the intervening time, these are the primary casualties of the Cowboys’ roster trim: cornerback Kyron Brown, tight finish Ian Bunting, extensive receiver Ty Fryfogle and defensive lineman Austin Faoliu. Veteran fullback Ryan Nall was positioned on injured reserve.

The strikes had been definitely not stunning. Fryfogle is an undrafted rookie, whereas Brown, Bunting and Faoliu have predominantly been practice-squad gamers throughout their time within the league. On the very least, these early minimize deadlines would possibly give them an opportunity to catch on elsewhere.

Certainly one of these strikes feels a bit of extra noteworthy than the others, although. Nall was a spring signing, a four-year veteran for the Chicago Bears who appeared in 33 regular-season video games as each a fullback and a core special-teamer. The early hunch is that he’d fill an analogous function in Dallas, presumably giving offensive coordinator Kellen Moore a devoted fullback for the primary time since 2019. 

As a substitute, Nall spent a lot of coaching camp sidelined by a shoulder harm. The choice to position him on injured reserve previous to ultimate roster cuts means his season is over. Mix that with the crew’s resolution to waive second-year fullback Nick Ralston early on in camp, and we’re again in acquainted territory.

The Cowboys have operated with no true fullback for almost all of Mike McCarthy’s tenure, opposite to his fame throughout his 13-year stint in Inexperienced Bay. Assuming they do not discover one the subsequent two weeks, it is a good guess they roll into 2022 with Ezekiel Elliott, Tony Pollard and considered one of their trio of younger backs: Rico Dowdle, Malik Davis or Aaron Shampklin. 

That is precisely what they did final yr, although it got here with one fascinating caveat. With no fullback on the roster final yr, Moore turned towards Connor McGovern as his “Hulk” fullback in sure personnel packages. As humorous because it regarded to see a 308-pound fullback within the lineup, McGovern was truly fairly efficient. He not solely strikes properly sufficient in house to dam on the run, however he additionally added a formidable quantity of bulk in short-yardage conditions. 

There’s quite a lot of coaching camp left, however do not be stunned to see McGovern reprise his function this season. The Cowboys are enjoying it coy, but it surely’s a stable wager the first-round rookie will win the beginning left guard spot. If that is the case, McGovern can add his fullback versatility to his repertoire as a utility offensive lineman.

David Helman covers the Dallas Cowboys for FOX Sports activities, offering perception and evaluation on the NFL’s most seen franchise. Previous to becoming a member of FOX, David spent 9 seasons protecting the Cowboys for the crew’s official web site, DallasCowboys.com. In 2018, he received a regional Emmy for his function in producing “Dak Prescott: A Household Reunion” concerning the quarterback’s time at Mississippi State.