The NFL is about a month away from Training Camp kicking off, and with that, we are one step closer to knowing the Cowboys starting lineup in 2024.
In what will be a crucial season for Dallas, a lack of depth has solidified much of the depth chart.
This is true at wide receiver, linebacker, and cornerback.
At these spots, and a few others, there isn’t enough competition from the depth pieces to threaten any starting jobs.
That said, there are multiple camp battles, and veterans at risk of losing their starting roles as well.
Offensively and defensively, a few Cowboys starters and organizational staples could head to the bench in 2024.
We could even see this depth chart shake-up happen as early as August.
A tumultuous end to the 2023 season has made the stakes higher than ever in Dallas, and the starting group will have a lot to avenge.
Let’s take a look at the three Cowboys starters who could lose the opportunity to do just that.
Running Back, Ezekiel Elliott
The Cowboys’ offseason was highlighted by their handling of the running back position.
It was a rollercoaster ride, to say the least.
Dallas waved goodbye to Tony Pollard, got outbid for Zack Moss, passed on even calling Derrick Henry, and picked up a franchise icon after failing to draft at the position.
Ezekiel Elliott’s return to the Cowboys is a great story, but it might just be that.
In 2023, backup Rico Dowdle had some fantastic moments, and he is being overshadowed heading into 2024.
I would argue Dowdle had a more productive season than Pollard.
And with nearly 2,000 fewer career rushes than Elliott, he will have fresher legs and more burst than the veteran.
Elliott is the de facto starter right now, and I still expect him to carry that title into the season.
However, his actual role will likely be more involved in pass catching, blocking, and at the goal line than as the true RB1.
It is time for Dowdle to get a real chance at the starting job.
And with no rookie or major signing in his way, this is the perfect year to give it to him.
Right Tackle, Terence Steele
To say the 2023 season was a disappointment for Cowboys starter Terence Steele would be an understatement.
The former Texas Tech Red Raider got a massive extension right before last season.
Let’s just say he did not exactly live up to the nearly $90M price tag after signing the deal.
Steele struggled mightily with pass protection and penalties in 2023, and it cost the Cowboys big time.
Last season was, however, his first year back from a torn ACL.
Could that injury have been the true cause for Steele’s poor performance? Absolutely.
But, any knee-based struggles should be a thing of the past as the Cowboys head into the 2024 campaign.
If training camp rolls around and Steele still doesn’t look right, we could see a major offensive line shift for Dallas.
Benching him would mean either Chuma Edoga takes his place, or first-round pick Tyler Guyton slides to the right side while All-Pro Tyler Smith takes the left tackle spot.
Either way, it would not be an ideal situation for Dallas.
Steele needs a bounce-back year, or his spot on the starting line could fade away.
Strong Safety, Donovan Wilson
I’m sure you have heard a million times “The NFL is a business.”
In the case of 5-year Safety, Donovan Wilson, that saying might be especially prevalent this season.
Wilson is coming off a big 2023 season.
He had 88 total tackles, two interceptions, and two fumble recoveries, all four of which were in big moments.
The problem is, there are a ton of young, talented safeties waiting behind him on the depth chart.
Players like Israel Mukuamu and Juanyeh Thomas are going to get increased playing time.
They are too young and have far too much potential to sit on the bench.
And with Malik Hooker solidly manning the free safety spot, that likely means Wilson getting the short end of the stick.
New Defensive Coordinator Mike Zimmer will find spots for him, especially near the line of scrimmage.
But the days of Wilson playing over both Mukuamu and Thomas should end in 2024.