The Dallas Cowboys still have a lot of questions to answer regarding their current roster as injuries have made position battles a highlight of the preseason. While a lot of the focus has been on the run game, there is a battle taking place amongst the cornerbacks after Orlando Scandrick was lost for the season. As doubt remains in rookie Byron Jones to start immediately, could the Cowboys take advantage of recent roster cuts to bring on help?
With Scandrick out after suffering an ACL tear, the Cowboys are trying to decide if that makes Jones a starter or not. The Cowboys drafted the cornerback in the first round, but now they might move him around on the field to fill other needs. According to Charean Williams of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Jones is getting work in with the safeties after injuries to JJ Wilcox and Jeff Heath. While the rookie was assumed to be a starter in Week 1, team vice president Stephen Jones says they might take advantage of his versatility.
"It doesn't seem too big for him," Jones said, via the Dallas Morning News. He seems to be able to step right in and play any of the positions that we ask him to play. He's very versatile, which is very important for us right now. We couldn't be more pleased with how he's really absorbing everything out there. We really feel like whatever we ask him to do out there that he's capable of doing it. He's around the ball. I think the more comfortable he gets, the more plays he'll make."
If Jones moves to safety, there are still questions as to who starts at cornerback. The pressure is on Morris Claiborne and Brandon Carr to step up to the challenge. However, a roster addition would help. The Chicago Bears released veteran corner Tim Jennings in the first round of roster cuts. ESPN reports the Cowboys could be the ideal landing spot for him to continue his career. Dee Milliner could also be an option if the New York Jets were to move past the former first-round cornerback.
The Cowboys are hoping they have what it takes to be an elite defense. With Greg Hardy suspended, Randy Gregory is looking to be as good as advertised. Sean Lee returned to the field which should easily help as well. Losing Scandrick hurt, but it is not a season killer for the Cowboys. However, with Jones moving around, the Cowboys have some holes to fill.
