3 Cowboys whose job could be on the line in the last preseason game

Preseason Week 2 was much better for the Dallas Cowboys than Week 1 was. Perhaps they were worn out from their scrimmage with the Denver Broncos, but they looked sloppy and undisciplined in the opener.

Once they headed to Los Angeles to take on the Chargers, everything seemed much better. They did still have a few penalties but it wasn’t the flag-fest we saw in Denver. With that being the case, several players have been able to show what they can do when given the chance.

Of course, others have struggled when thrown into the fire. That’s what makes the preseason worth watching. And in the final exhibition game for Dallas, these three players could be fighting to save their jobs as the Seattle Seahawks come to town.

3 Cowboys whose jobs could be on the line in the final preseason game

3. Josh Ball, OT

Dallas seems to be getting risky with their offensive tackles. Not only have they once again lost Tyron Smith to injury, but they also went with inexperienced options at swing tackle knowing about Smith’s durability issues.

The primary backup for the Cowboys has played a big role in each of the past six seasons and it would be wise to expect that to continue. For that reason, it was a bit of a surprise to see Josh Ball and Matt Waletzko as their top options.

Heading into Week 3 of the preseason, they should be thinking of calling an audible. Waletzko’s currently injured and Ball didn’t shine when he was on the field the past two weeks. Of course, this front office is slow to react, so they’re not likely kicking the tires on any replacement options.

Should Ball struggle in the finale, that could change. He might not be in danger of being cut, but there’s a chance he could be reduced to fourth on the depth chart, which could result in another campaign where he doesn’t get a snap in the regular season.

2. DaRon Bland, CB

It really didn’t make much of a splash when the Cowboys took DaRon Bland from Fresno State in Round 5 of the 2022 NFL Draft. Listed at 6-foot-0, and 200 pounds, he fits the mold of what Dan Quinn likes in his cornerbacks. The problem for Bland is that he was joining a crowded room that includes Trevon Diggs, Anthony Brown, Kelvin Joseph, Jourdan Lewis, and Nahshon Wright.

Even with all those names ahead of him, Bland has found a way to stand out. He’s been physical in the preseason and has turned plenty of heads with his play. For the coaching staff in Dallas, this is no surprise, since they’ve seen him do this all camp as well as during their joint practices with the Los Angeles Chargers ahead of their second preseason game.

Bland was playing with the first team during one practice and pulled in a red zone interception to close things out against the Chargers — after already breaking up three passes according to K.D. Drummond of Cowboys Wire.

As well as he’s been performing, it’s still not a lock he makes the 53-man roster, simply due to the sheer numbers at the position. Having said that, Bland does have another preseason game to try and make an impression.

Should he continue to prove he’s ready to go against NFL talent, it might be hard for the Cowboys to expose him to the waiver wire.

1. Will Grier, QB

Just before the regular season a year ago, the Carolina Panthers waived Will Grier and the Cowboys claimed the former third-round pick. He spent the majority of that campaign on the bench as the emergency quarterback behind Dak Prescott and Cooper Rush but now finds himself in a battle with Rush for the No. 2 job.

Grier has been playing very well in camp but has yet to really set himself apart from Rush in the preseason games. After missing Week 1 against Denver due to a groin injury, Grier made his debut as a Cowboy against the Chargers and was solid, but didn’t do anything spectacular.

According to head coach Mike McCarthy, Grier should have one more chance to try and prove he deserves to be the guy behind Prescott as he will get the bulk of the work as starters again sit out. It seems like the team is wanting to lean toward Grier, but they are also hesitant given his injury status and familiarity with the team.

The issue that comes up is that McCarthy had to mention Grier has a hamstring injury. This is after he already missed one game. While Rush definitely wasn’t great against Denver, he’s been durable and dependable when called upon. He also won them a game against Minnesota in 2021.

For Grier, he has to prove he’s far and away the better option since this staff does feel confident in Rush, while he remains an unknown. Right now, it’s easy to see that the ball comes off his hand with more velocity but 6-of-10 for 98 yards in the preseason is hardly enough to convince McCarthy and the rest of the staff to roll the dice.