Suspensions and injuries to defensive ends have put the Cowboys in a tricky spot at one of the game's most important positions.
Both Tyrone Crawford and DeMarcus Lawrence are expected to be ready when the games matter, but neither Randy Gregory nor the newly acquired Robert Quinn will be available for the season opener against the Giants.
This means that the young/unproven guys will have to step up for the Cowboys early and often this season. Whether that will be someone like veteran free agent signing Kerry Hyder, or the now second year player Dorance Armstrong, someone needs to come up big.
Thus far through training camp, it looks like the Cowboys will be relying on Dorance Armstrong to come up big. Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones spoke to the media this week about which young players have caught his eye this Summer, and he immediately jumped to naming Dorance Armstrong.
“I've liked Armstrong…I think he's absolutely … the trick is as a young player to get as much out of every day, every rep you can. He's really impressed me” – Jerry Jones
While it may not read like Jerry is singing Armstrong's praises from the heavens, even the fact that he named him at all speaks to how big Armstrong has come up during camp. He's putting himself in important conversations around the organization, and is helping the team's decision makers to feel very comfortable with allowing him to play (and potentially start) week one.
It's also important to note that Armstrong had himself a strong training camp last season as well, but sort of disappeared once the season starts. Still, there's no question that it feels different this time around, especially considering how well he's done against the Cowboys starting offensive tackles.
Of course you can't expect Armstrong to become a Pro Bowl player in 2019, but he has the potential to be a productive end for the Cowboys right away.
The former fourth round pick is looking to take a serious leap during his Sophomore season, and it's sounding more and more like he'll have a chance to do so.
