This year was as good an example as any to depict how tough it is for NFL teams to trim a roster down to 53 deserving players.
Some guys solidified their first opportunity to prove themselves worthy of an NFL locker.
For others, moving on to another team's active roster, practice squad, or home becomes their option.
Some players have received different chances to show their value, and it becomes a head-scratcher that the team is giving them another opportunity. Injuries are worked into the equation along with their potential and the pure need for the position.
Let's walk through three names who may have what it takes, but it's time to put up or shut up.
Swing tackle, guard or injury concern – no one knows at this point
I need help putting my finger on what's the issue with Matt Waletzko.
He is a 6'8″, 320lb tower of a human being with decent athleticism. It seems like it should be a slam dunk that Dallas would want to keep grooming him as long as possible.
Going into his second year, I'd argue that time is essential for Waletzko.
Injuries hampered most of his rookie season. This past offseason seemed more experimental than anything. We should blame some of that on coaching. Having Matt on the interior sometimes seemed like an exercise the team should have gone away from.
As any good team would, Dallas added another offensive lineman in Asim Richards who played well enough to take attention away from Waletzko.
To add insult to injury (no pun intended), the kid is dealing with another shoulder situation that is placing him on the injured reserve. That's four games that he won't get back.
With T Matt Waletzko (shoulder) and CB Nahshon Wright (high ankle) on injured reserve/designated to return, the Cowboys have re-signed LS Trent Sieg and OL Chuma Edoga. Waletzki and Wright will miss at least the first four games. Edoga (knee) could be opening day swing tackle.
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) August 30, 2023
The Cowboys need a swing tackle, and he seemed to be the most natural fit. He has the talent and now he just needs to get healthy enough to grab hold onto the role.
If Matt has learned anything, he should understand that Dallas will return to the well again next offseason.
He was a Joe Philbin project, and Joe has ridden off involuntarily to the sunset.
Matt has to get healthy and step it up, or he'll quickly get stepped over.
Rico was able to hold off Malik Davis, but it won't be as easy with Deuce in the rearview
Let me set the record straight – I like Rico Dowdle. He was a good pickup out of South Carolina as an undrafted free agent in 2020. I even doubled down and wrote a story stressing fans not to overlook him.
He is a tough runner who can catch out of the backfield and play special teams, albeit not the greatest.
At 215 lbs., Rico provides Dallas with adequate size to stand up against blitzing defenders, maybe not quite as good as Ezekiel Elliott.
He has backup running back written all over him.
Our dialogue wasn't about anyone other than Rico Dowdle, and I'm glad to see you finally came around on what we've been seeing all summer — is all.
Davis was never, and I do mean never, in the lead.
As for the others, good work.
— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) August 28, 2023
So, what is the problem?
Unfortunately, a 5'6″ sparkplug of a running back eagerly awaits his opportunity to get touches on the field.
One missed blocked, dropped pass, or fumbled ball will cause fans to chant for Deuce, and we all know it's true. Deuce comes in with his brand, and college football fans know it too well.
Most of the Dallas media was shocked when the front office kept four running backs on this team. Rico held off Malik, but how long will it be before Deuce and Hunter Luepke start peeling away carries?
When Tony leaves the field, Dowdle needs to make the most of his snaps. If he does that, he'll be fine. If he falters, the dialogue may begin to change.
NEville Gallimore knows what is at stake this season
Neville Gallimore earned the award for punching bag of the year last season, slightly over Kelvin Joseph. It's not a knock; it's just the God-honest truth.
This offseason has been different. Neville has been playing reasonably well. We have to give props when they are due.
He looks more like the guy from 2020 versus the dude over the last two seasons. He has finally recovered from his dislocated elbow, which was the main cause of the problem.
He finally feels like himself again and I encourage all to read my interview with him (link below).
Neville Gallimore went into deep, deep details about his progression from injury and what was/were the issue(s) in 2022.
It's eye-opening insight.
➡️ https://t.co/EZHFpOmeVH https://t.co/GbORkTZtIS
— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) August 30, 2023
Here's the other side of it – the writing is on the wall. Dallas drafted Mazi to sure up the defensive front.
Neville is in the final year of his contract. We've seen players turn it around and get the bag from a team based on one year and their remaining potential. One that comes to mind is Chidobe Awuzie.
He had all the physical traits but put it together in his last year and cashed it in with Cincinnati. Either way, I don't see a path back for Neville if that happens for him.
However, stranger things have happened.
