likely using Mike Hamlin or Pat Watkins. The longer we go without rookie Akwasi Owusu-Ansah even stepping on the field, the more likely it is he doesn't even play in a regular season game until November, at the earliest.
One more position we might see the double move - defensive tackle.
Jay Ratliff is an All-Pro nose guard. He's the man. To steal a line from my radio and TV co-host Dia Wall, the way Ratliff plays is downright "beastly." And beastly guys don't get hurt much. But there's always a contingency plan.
Last year it was Junior Siavii, who is back again this season. The Cowboys drafted Josh Brent in the supplemental draft for some possible depth. He shows up and breaks his hand.
Right now, it seems the best option to replace Ratliff is Marcus Spears, who just so happens to start at end. Now this scenario is probably one where the Cowboys use Spears to get through a game or two, and desperately look on the outside for a replacement. Either way, Spears has the size to play inside, but you are taking one of the team's best run-stoppers away from his natural position.
Why it makes sense to use Spears is because of the depth behind him at end with Stephen Bowen, Jason Hatcher and even Marcus Dixon. But once again, it's another situation where the Cowboys are making two moves because of one injury.
On paper, yes, this team looks like a serious contender to make a run. But that could change if we see more double moves on the depth chart than we see in the open field.
