The Dallas Cowboys have a short week, as they host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday Night Football. Heading into this bout, the Cowboys will be a bit short-handed in the secondary, but rookie defensive back Caleb Downs' ability to wear multiple hats is coming in handy.
Head coach Brian Schottenheimer spoke to reporters on Monday and said that Cobie Durant (hamstring) will likely miss this contest. Patrik Walker of DallasCowboys.com reported that Downs will start at safety against the Bucs, but he'll play more snaps in the nickel than he did in Week 4.
The versatility that he brings is special and is already helping out a Dallas secondary that will be down multiple players.
Cowboys are already reaping the benefits of Caleb Downs' versatility
Beyond Durant, the Cowboys are without Jalen Thompson (hamstring) and P.J. Locke (foot) in the safety room. That's less than ideal, but having a player like Downs is huge. Throughout the draft process, Downs having the skill set to line up in several spots was a strength of his, and it's on full display after four games.
Caleb Downs snaps by position through Week 4
- Box: 78 snaps
- Slot Corner: 118 snaps
- Free Safety: 49 snaps
- Wide Corner: 3 snaps
- DL: 3 snaps
Defensive coordinator Christian Parker has moved Downs all across the formation through the first quarter of the season, which is a testament to Downs' football intelligence. Each position comes with different responsibilities, but Dallas is comfortable putting that on his plate.
Last week against the Texans, Downs bounced around. He played 23 snaps at free safety, 27 snaps in the box, and a season-low three snaps in the slot. Expect the snap distribution to be mixed up, but regardless of where he plays, Downs has been a rock-solid player for this defense.
Many Cowboys fans may want Downs back in the slot until the secondary is healthy after watching C.J. Stroud hunt Reddy Steward, who played in the slot this past Sunday, time and time again.
In four games, Downs has logged 27 total tackles, two forced fumbles, and a pass breakup. Meanwhile, in coverage, Downs has given up nine catches (10 targets) for 86 yards and two touchdowns. You'll live with intermediate completions if Downs continues limiting damage after the catch.
As time goes on, Downs will continue to get more comfortable, which will lead to even more production. The Ohio State product has quickly emerged as one of Dallas' top pieces defensively, and it will help mask some of the losses they're facing.
The injuries around the league seem to have hit everyone hard. Teams are being forced to lean on their depth early, which is why having a Swiss Army knife like Downs in the fold for Dallas is an advantage.
The Cowboys took a big swing last week and acquired Joey Porter Jr., who looked good in his debut. With him and DaRon Bland lining up on the outside, fans should get ready to see No. 13 continue to line up in several spots, with an increase in slot snaps on the way for Week 5.
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