The Cowboys are getting P.J. Locke back, and James Mitchell is getting an opportunity at tight end. I believe both moves will be worth keeping an eye on against Arizona today.
I will be interested to see what happens after the game. P.J. Locke could help Christian Parker settle a secondary that has spent all season playing against injuries more than playing games, and Mitchell could cause the team to reconsider snap counts at tight end.
That second part should get the attention of Luke Schoonmaker.
P.J. Locke has missed five games with a foot injury and was activated from injury reserve Saturday. James Mitchell was brought up from the practice squad, with Schoonmaker questionable with a groin injury.
That’s the immediate explanation we got for the Mitchell elevation, but does it mean Mitchell’s opportunity will end when Schoonmaker is healthy?
P.J. Locke Gives Parker Choices
We’ve watched as Dallas has rotated Caleb Downs, Markquese Bell, and Alijah Clark at safety opposite Malik Hooker. Getting Locke back into the fold will give Parker another experienced player to work with and a chance for some consistency.
I’m interested in seeing what this does for Downs. If Parker trusts Locke to handle the position, there should be more chances to move Downs around depending on what the offense is showing.
This doesn’t mean I want Downs parked in the slot all afternoon, but I would like to see Dallas use him where he can affect the game.
Locke’s return could also help with communication. Parker and Locke were in Denver together from 2021 to 2023, giving these guys an established working relationship. Locke also spent extra time working with Downs after practices this offseason. That presence could change the secondary.
Of course, I know familiarity doesn’t make a tackle or cover a receiver. Locke will have to play well to justify the snaps, but I’d rather Parker have another experienced option available than shuffling through players due to limited choices.
Luke Schoonmaker Should Keep an Eye on James Mitchell
The injury is the reason we are getting for why James Mitchell is getting this chance. What he does with it could create another conversation.
In my opinion, this could mean Schoonmaker is getting closer to being pushed out the door. If Mitchell steps in, handles his blocking, and gives Dallas something when the ball comes his way, I don’t see why the Cowboys should hand those snaps back to Schoonmaker.
That’s what I’ll be watching. Can Mitchell do what the offense needs? Will Dallas trust him enough to leave him on the field? Does the offense lose anything with him taking those snaps?
Those are just some of the questions that matter more to me than a touchdown catch, but a touchdown would be nice. We all know a tight end can have a good afternoon without getting much attention in the box score.
If James Mitchell can block for the running game and does his job in protection, that deserves some attention when Dallas plays next week.
The Competition Needs to Be Real
If James Mitchell plays well enough to make Schoonmaker expandable, I would listen to trade offers. If there isn’t a trade offer they like, his roster spot shouldn’t be safe if he isn’t one of the best options.
I wouldn’t release him just to make a point, but I wouldn’t protect his spot out of habit either.
P.J. Locke has a chance to help Parker put the secondary in better position. Mitchell has an opportunity to show Dallas it can get more from its tight end depth.
Schoonmaker might come back and get his spot back, but I wouldn’t assume that before seeing what Mitchell does this afternoon.
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