Dallas Cowboys: OTA injuries should provide needed growth

As the Dallas Cowboys take part in organized team activities, temporary injuries should provide needed growth for key players.

During organized team activities in Frisco, TX, multiple Dallas Cowboys are sidelined recovering from offseason surgeries and minor injuries. Injuries are rarely a good thing, but some of these temporary absences may have silver linings.

Promising, young players are now getting extra snaps in place of experienced veterans in a few very key positions. If more opportunities aid in the growth of some of these youngsters, it should have a positive effect on the near future.

CONNOR WILLIAMS

Tyron Smith took a preventive rest day yesterday, while back-up Cameron Fleming set aside nursing a leg contusion. With both left tackles out of action, it was music to the ears hearing Connor Williams handled left tackle snaps.

The second year guard played left tackle at the University of Texas and claimed playing his old spot again felt familiar like riding a bike. Even better is he was tasked with facing a crafty, veteran rusher in newly acquired Robert Quinn.

Many predict Williams will eventually make the transition to tackle, possibly as early as 2020 if right tackle La’el Collins is too expensive to re-sign. This is great news knowing Williams is already getting his feet wet again on the outside.

DORANCE ARMSTRONG

With both DeMarcus Lawrence and Taco Charlton recovering from surgery, second year left end Dorance Armstrong is taking the main repetitions. Armstrong drew a lot of praise during his rookie training camp but came back to earth in season play.

It’s my belief he has the physical tools, positive attitude, and gritty work ethic needed to overtake lackluster 2017 first round pick Charlton as the top back-up at left end.

With his first pro strength and conditioning program now under his belt, it’s a good bet Armstrong will take a big step forward in his second campaign. With the heavy majority of snaps going his way until training camp, Taco has been put on notice.

KYLE QUEIRO

At 6-2, 230, Kyle Queiro is at least 15 pounds lighter than the Cowboys three starting linebackers. He’s not the ideal size for a middle or strong side 4-3 linebacker.

Leighton Vander Esch‘s pelvic injury will need extended time off to recover. The hole at MIKE linebacker has provided a nice opportunity for Queiro to show his skills. Early reviews claim he looks good and shows great instincts to beat blockers to the hole.

Vander Esch will regain his spot upon return, however the dividends here could be seen with Queiro getting more snaps at SAM linebacker in the future. It was recently reported Sean Lee would take this role, but his health is always a concern.

Cowboys media personality and former scout Bryan Broaddus repeatedly warned to keep an eye on Queiro for the SAM role before Lee was shifted there. The more snaps at either physical linebacker spot Queiro receives before the season, the better prepared he will be if needed to step in for Lee in the future.