Dallas Cowboys: 7 roster bubble battles to watch closely

Defensive Tackle

Jihad Ward vs. Brian Price vs. Caraun Reid

The absence of David Irving has opened the door for an extra defensive lineman to make this final 53-man roster in Dallas. Ward was the initial favorite following his trade from the Oakland Raiders. But his level of play seems to have diminished as training camp and the preseason has progressed.

Instead, it now appears that Price is the likely defender to make the active roster out of this group as a true one-technique defensive tackle. Reid, who was just signed by the Cowboys this past week, faces a stiff uphill battle to make the team.

Linebacker

Chris Covington vs. Justin March-Lillard

The Cowboys currently possess the most talented group of linebackers they’ve had in several years. But they battle for the final spot appears to be between Covington and March-Lillard. Dallas’ coaching staff apparently loves the sixth round rookie and he would seemingly have the edge at this point. But March-Lillard is the more experienced linebacker and could get the nod if the Cowboys think they can sneak Covington onto the practice squad.

Cornerback

Duke Thomas vs. Marquez White vs. Charvarius Ward

This is a three-way battle I’m not sure anyone really knows what to expect or what is exactly going to happen. The Cowboys have four cornerbacks who appear to be locks to make the roster. With safety a major question mark going into the regular season, Dallas could opt to go heavy at that position. This means the battle at cornerback between these three could be for one lone spot.