The Landry Hat
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3 roster mistakes the Dallas Cowboys must avoid

By Richard Ball

ORCHARD PARK, NY - DECEMBER 27: Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones talks to Buffalo Bills owner Terry Pegula, Buffalo Bills president Russ Brandon, left, and Dallas Cowboys CEO Stephen Jones, right, before the game at Ralph Wilson Stadium on December 27, 2015 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Michael Adamucci/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY - DECEMBER 27: Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones talks to Buffalo Bills owner Terry Pegula, Buffalo Bills president Russ Brandon, left, and Dallas Cowboys CEO Stephen Jones, right, before the game at Ralph Wilson Stadium on December 27, 2015 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Michael Adamucci/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /

Risking young talent to the waiver wire

In limited action in the first preseason game against San Francisco, undrafted free agent linebacker Luke Gifford from Nebraska impressed coaches and Cowboys fans with his instinctive play. He made a nifty interception and 13 yard return in the second quarter and recorded two tackles before leaving the game with a significant ankle sprain.

Fellow rookie defensive end Jalen Jelks recorded a sack in the San Francisco game and a tackle for a loss as well as four tackles in the Houston game including two tackles for a loss before being banged up against the Texans. He will have a tough time cracking the roster with DeMarcus Lawrence, Robert Quinn, Kerry Hyder, Tyrone Crawford, Joe Jackson, and Taco Charlton on the depth chart.

Wide receiver Jon’Vea Johnson and running back Jordan Chunn injured themselves against Tampa Bay. Johnson aggravated his shoulder reaching for the end zone in the second quarter and Chunn injured his ribs against Tampa Bay.

Chances are good other teams have noticed these players preseason performance and it will be a gamble to release them and try to secure them on the practice squad. With a contract top heavy roster looming in Dallas, it is imperative to not let young inexpensive talent walk out the door.

Injured reserve could be a destination to secure these players rights. The rookies could use a red shirt year to build strength so that they can compete for roster spots in 2020.

Third round draft pick Connor McGovern has practiced sparingly in training camp due to a pectoral strain. His draft status safeguards him from being cut but his current injury might allow the Cowboys to red-shirt his rookie year much like they did with wide receiver Cedrick Wilson last year.

Next. The 10 most memorable Cowboys games since 1989. dark

Talent acquisition is a 24 hour a day and 365 days per year job in the NFL. The Cowboys will make at least 37 roster moves by Saturday that will not only affect this season but seasons to come. They can’t afford to make any mistakes.

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