The Dallas Cowboys have officially started getting things in order for the 2020 season as rookies and veterans are rolling into The Star in Frisco to began COVID-19 testing. However, not everyone is quite ready to get on the field and began work.
Veterans Dontari Poe and Tyrone Crawford have been placed on the active/PUP list.
Poe is currently rehabbing from quadriceps surgery that he had before signing with the Cowboys in March. The near 350-pounder is set to play the 1-tech alongside veteran Gerald McCoy at the 3-tech as the new anchors on the interior of the defensive line. The Cowboys defense was only 19th in sacks per game (2.4) and struggled against the run at times in 2019 which makes Poe signing with the team so significant. With rookie Neville Gallimore and veteran Antwuan Woods behind him, the Cowboys are looking solid at this particular position in 2020.
Crawford is also rehabbing from double hip surgery he had last season. He only appeared in four games with two starts and registered a grand total of three tackles and a sack in 2019. Now, with his ability to rush inside and outside his role is expected to increase under new Defensive Coordinator Mike Nolan’s hybrid scheme with three and four-man fronts. Entering a contract year, and coming back from injury, Crawford has all the motivation he needs to be an important piece of the Cowboys revamped defensive front.
Poe and Crawford will have to pass physicals before they’ll be able to be added to the active roster. Fortunately, the Cowboys won’t have a padded practice until mid-August which gives both players more than enough time to get ready.
