What we can learn from Dallas Cowboys’ first roster cuts

By David Helman
FOX Sports Dallas Cowboys Writer

IRVINE, Calif. — We have been by no means prone to be shocked by the Cowboys‘ first bout of roster cuts.

After all, these 5 cuts are the first of the preseason, with two extra weeks till the ultimate minimize to 53. Every week from now, NFL groups will waive 5 extra guys previous to their remaining exhibition video games. 

For the time being, these are the first casualties of the Cowboys’ roster trim: cornerback Kyron Brown, tight finish Ian Bunting, broad receiver Ty Fryfogle and defensive lineman Austin Faoliu. Veteran fullback Ryan Nall was positioned on injured reserve.

The strikes have been definitely not shocking. Fryfogle is an undrafted rookie, whereas Brown, Bunting and Faoliu have predominantly been practice-squad gamers throughout their time within the league. At the very least, these early minimize deadlines may give them an opportunity to catch on some place else.

One of those strikes feels slightly extra noteworthy than the others, although. Nall was a spring signing, a four-year veteran for the Chicago Bears who appeared in 33 regular-season video games as each a fullback and a core special-teamer. The early hunch is that he’d fill the same function in Dallas, presumably giving offensive coordinator Kellen Moore a devoted fullback for the first time since 2019. 

Instead, Nall spent a lot of coaching camp sidelined by a shoulder harm. The determination to put him on injured reserve previous to remaining roster cuts means his season is over. Combine that with the staff’s determination to waive second-year fullback Nick Ralston early on in camp, and we’re again in acquainted territory.

How Jerry Jones’ Cowboys grew to become Al Davis’ Raiders finish days

The Dallas Cowboys are eyeing a Super Bowl run, their first for the reason that Troy Aikman-Michael Irvin-Emmitt Smith period.

The Cowboys have operated and not using a true fullback for almost all of Mike McCarthy’s tenure, opposite to his status throughout his 13-year stint in Green Bay. Assuming they do not discover one the subsequent two weeks, it is a good guess they roll into 2022 with Ezekiel Elliott, Tony Pollard and one among their trio of younger backs: Rico Dowdle, Malik Davis or Aaron Shampklin. 

That’s precisely what they did final 12 months, although it got here with one fascinating caveat. Without a fullback on the roster final 12 months, Moore turned towards Connor McGovern as his “Hulk” fullback in sure personnel packages. As humorous because it appeared to see a 308-pound fullback within the lineup, McGovern was really fairly efficient. He not solely strikes nicely sufficient in area to dam on the run, however he additionally added a powerful quantity of bulk in short-yardage conditions. 

There’s quite a lot of coaching camp left, however do not be shocked to see McGovern reprise his function this season. The Cowboys are taking part in it coy, nevertheless it’s a stable wager the first-round rookie will win the beginning left guard spot. If that is the case, McGovern can add his fullback versatility to his repertoire as a utility offensive lineman.

David Helman covers the Dallas Cowboys for FOX Sports, offering perception and evaluation on the NFL’s most seen franchise. Prior to becoming a member of FOX, David spent 9 seasons overlaying the Cowboys for the staff’s official web site, DallasCowboys.com. In 2018, he received a regional Emmy for his function in producing “Dak Prescott: A Family Reunion” concerning the quarterback’s time at Mississippi State.