Dallas Cowboys: 7 roster bubble battles to watch closely

Tight End

Rico Gathers vs. Dalton Schultz

For fans, this is a tough one. I’m not sure it will be as tough of a choice for the Cowboys coaching staff. At this point, it’s clear that Gathers has outplayed the rookie Schultz in the preseason and throughout training camp.

Yet, this is Gathers’ third season in Dallas and he is still struggling to master the mental aspects of the tight end position and as a blocker. Although Schultz’s offseason performance has been shaky, he is a 2018 fourth-round selection it seems very unlikely Dallas would give up on this early. Unless Gathers can post an epic performance in the final two preseason games, his time in Big D could be over.

Defensive End

Kony Ealy vs. Charles Tapper vs. Austin Larkin

One of the bigger disappointments in training camp has been the play of free agent signee Kony Ealy. Yet, his ability to shift inside to defensive tackle could be enough to earn him a spot on the final 53 come next Saturday.

As for Tapper, injuries have plagued the former 2016 fourth-rounder during his time in Dallas. This offseason, he has been unable to separate himself from the pack enough for us to believe he’ll make the active roster. And while Larkin has shown glimpses, it seems he’s destined for the chopping block as well.