The Dallas Cowboys “dress rehearsal” game Saturday night against the Houston Texans couldn’t have gone any better if it had been scripted. The 34-0 shellacking was awfully impressive, but this game had much more meaning than what the final score was. It was yet another chance to evaluate the roster ahead of the fourth and final week of preseason.
As a unit, the Dallas Cowboys were pretty impressive in all three phases of the game. But for evaluation purposes individual play has to be accounted for and some players stood out more than others. With roster cuts around the corner playing well could be the difference in making the team o| not.
With that in mind, I thought I would share with you five Dallas Cowboys players who I think probably earned a roster spot against the Texans. All of the players listed below were probably on the roster bubble ahead of Saturday’s nights matchup, but I don’t think that’s the case any longer.
Let’s take a look…
RB, Jordan Chunn
Second-year Running Back Jordan Chunn spent his entire rookie season on the Dallas Cowboys practice squad, but he’s made the most of his opportunities and might just have locked up a roster spot Saturday night against the Houston Texans.
Chunn has arguably been the most impressive RB in preseason not named Tony Pollard. He not only has done well with his opportunities on offense, but has been efficient on special teams as well. That’s what the Cowboys are looking for in their RB3. I believe he is the new “Rod Smith” and has the potential to be even better.
WR, Devin Smith
Not much was expected from Devin Smith when he originally joined the Dallas Cowboys, but he’s certainly making up for lost time and missed opportunities thus far in preseason. Excluding Michael Gallup, Smith has been the most impressive and consistent WR for the Cowboys. He’s put on display the talent that originally got him drafted in the second-round the 2015 NFL Draft.
Smith may be nothing more than a depth WR on the Cowboys final 53-man roster, but he’s proven he can be relied upon if needed in my opinion. He can also add another dimension to the offense due to his ability to be a deep threat and that alone could help carve out some kind of niche role in 2019. He’s also performed well on special teams, which is a must for backup WRs.
WR, Cedrick Wilson
Cedrick Wilson started his preseason strong in Week 1 against the San Francisco 49ers, but unfortunately had to leave that contest early after being on the receiving end of an illegal head-to-head hit. That forced him to miss Week 2, but he certainly picked up where he left off Saturday night against Houston Texans. The way he played against Houston probably earned him a roster spot.
Wilson’s ability to play on the outside or the slot could prove to be invaluable at some point during the 2019 season when injuries start to rear their ugly head. He’s also surprisingly looked pretty good as a punt returner and could be an emergency backup in case something were to happen to Tavon Austin. All of that could make him a valuable asset to have on hand.
S, Donovan Wilson
Donovan Wilson is the only safety other than Jeff Heath and Xavier Woods who I believe has secured a roster spot for the 2019 season. He’s played well in the first two preseason games, but what he did Saturday night against Houston Texans might just have put him in contention for more playing time early on, quite possibly as the starter next to Woods.
Wilson added to his preseason interception total (2) with an impressive toetapping pick Saturday night. He probably would have had a second INT earlier in the game if C.J. Goodwin wouldn’t have snagged it first. He continues to show he knows his responsibilities and seems to always be in the right place to make the play when needed.
DE, Joe Jackson
Rookie DE Joe Jackson hasn’t really shown up on the stat sheets the first three preseason games, but that doesn’t mean he’s not playing well, because he is. He’s been equally effective pressuring the QB as he has against the run, and for a rookie that’s pretty impressive in itself. But, he’s also played a little defensive tackle and that only adds to his value.
I could be wrong, but I believe Joe Jackson has locked up a roster spot to start the 2019 season with the Dallas Cowboys. That however could be short-lived once Robert Quinn returns from his suspension, but that’s a problem Dallas will have to face when it comes. For now though, I believe Jackson has to make the 53-man roster because I don’t think he will make it through the waiver wire process.
