In the last preseason game of the preseason, teams are looking for players who will fight their tail off to make the roster. While many starters sit out the exhibition, teams are looking for players who can earn a spot on the final 53-man roster. With the final preseason game out of the way, here are some final thoughts on what took place:
Lance Lenoir Continues to Battle:
The question of the offseason has continued to be concerning how many wide receivers the Dallas Cowboys will keep. With Cole Beasley, Allen Hurns, Terrance Williams, Michael Gallup and Tavon Austin locks for the team, only a spot or two are up for grabs. Lance Lenoir has done his part to show why he deserves an opportunity. Thursday night was no different, as he finished with 9 catches.
Lenoir was targeted several times, and briefly left the game with an injury received on a screen pass. Lenoir had struggled with fumbles in the return game, dating back to last week. We’ll see if he’s done enough to earn a spot over Noah Brown and/or Deonte Thompson.
Backup QB Situation Cause for Concern:
Cooper Rush was the darling of the preseason a year ago. The undrafted quarterback played his way into the backup quarterback spot and carried that role into training camp this year. The team went out and added Mike White in the fifth round of the draft, as well. Both quarterbacks looked good early in camp. However, neither has looked sharp in live game action. Against the Texans, Rush threw an interception that nearly went for a touchdown. He threw another interception on a “Hail Mary” pass to end the first half. Rush finished 14 of 25 passing for just 83 yards and the two interceptions in the half.
Mike White took over from there in the second half. White went 13 of 21 for 118 yards. With both of their performances this preseason, the team may begin to look at outside free agents and teams’ roster cuts this weekend to add some competition.
Offensive Line Depth Receives Added Boost:
The Dallas Cowboys weren’t comfortable standing pat on the offensive line. With Travis Frederick out indefinitely, Tyron Smith battling minor injuries and Zack Martin returning to practice, the offensive line needed bodies. The team made a move shortly before kickoff to add depth. Cornerback Charvarius Ward was dealt to the Kansas City Chiefs, reportedly for offensive lineman Parker Ehinger:
OL Parker Ehinger is the player heading to Dallas for CB Charvarius Ward, source tells Chiefs Digest. Dallas had been shopping Ward for a lineman. Ehinger did not appear with the starting line during warmups.
— Matt Derrick (@mattderrick) August 31, 2018
Ehinger is a former 4th round draft pick, who looks to add competition behind the starters. It will be interesting to see if the team continues to churn the depth chart behind their starting offensive lineman.
With that said, the preseason is finally at a close. The next time the Dallas Cowboys take the field, they will be kicking off against the Carolina Panthers in week 1. While the team works to find the final 53-man roster, the 2018 Dallas Cowboys season will continue to kick into high gear.
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