5 Cowboys players who could be cut before training camp

4. Josh Ball, OL

When Tyron Smith went down with a hamstring injury a season ago, the Cowboys proved to the world how unprepared they were. Despite Smith missing time in every season since 2015, they didn't bring any trusted options and had to find out for themselves how unprepared their young backups were.

First up was Josh Ball, who was clearly not up to the task. He was abused throughout the preseason and Dallas had to get desperate, signing 40-year-old Jason Peters as insurance while kicking rookie Tyler Smith out to left tackle.

Thankfully, the younger Smith was up to the task and bailed them out but it could have been a disaster after he spent the entire offseason transitioning to left guard.

As for Ball, he's not going to be trusted as a swing tackle but his latest shot at redemption comes in the form of a position change. Following his struggles on the outside last year, Ball is going to be working at guard during training camp which could save his career — if he's able to make the change.

Connor McGovern, who started at left guard when Tyler Smith moved to tackle, signed with the Buffalo Bills leaving a vacancy there. The Cowboys toyed with the idea of making Terence Steele a reserve but in the end, wisely decided to keep him outside with Tyron Smith at left tackle and Tyler Smith at left guard.

While that gives them their five best linemen, there aren't many options at guard. This could be a blessing for Ball. It could also be the final straw if he's unable to beat out a rookie such as Asim Richards who is also making the move inside.