Cowboys offensive lineman Chaz Green, who got the start last night at left guard in an ongoing competition, had to leave the game with an ankle injury. He was able to walk to the back with some trainer assistance. His status, and that of the left guard position, are both in question.
Byron Bell came into the game once Green was hurt. The starting spot at left guard remains unsettled between Green, Bell, and Jonathan Cooper. With only one preseason game left and few starters likely to play in it, we may not have a final answer until Week One or even sometime in the middle of the regular season.
One thing that isn't uncertain is that Chaz Green can't stay healthy. He missed time at the start of training camp with a shoulder injury and now may have a bad wheel. A third-round pick in 2015, Green has never been able to find a clear role with the Cowboys because he's consistently missing time.
Some guys' bodies simply fail them once they reach the NFL, and Green appears to be in that unfortunate group. It's never a good sign when the jokes starting coming after you get hurt.
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Given where he was drafted, Chaz Green has the advantage of some internal bias in any roster competition. Teams want their high picks to succeed, especially when the issue is more medical than talent. The Cowboys must have believed a lot in Green two years ago and probably still think he could be a winner if his body cooperates.
Ideally, Green would have been ready to replace Doug Free at right tackle this year and allowed La'el Collins to stay at guard. But Green's uncertainty, and the more critical nature of the tackle spots, made it necessary to move Collins over.
We'll have to wait and see how long, if at all, this latest injury keeps Chaz out of action. Even if it doesn't cost him any time in the regular season, it adds to the narrative that he's a guy you simply can't rely on. That will certainly be a factor as the Cowboys make their roster decisions.
