COWBOYS PRIMER
SUSPENSIONS GALORE
Besides the looming Elliott ban, three defensive ends are suspended to start the season. Randy Gregory won’t be eligible until the playoffs because of multiple substanceabuse violations. David Irving (performanceenhancing drugs) is out four games, and Damontre Moore (substance abuse) will miss the first two.
Cornerback Nolan Carroll and linebacker Damien Wilson faced suspensions over offseason incidents but are eligible for now.
JAYLON SMITH
The former Notre Dame star, and Rod Smith’s younger brother, is set for his regular-season debut after a devastating knee injury in his final college game that sidelined him as a rookie. He isn’t expected to start at middle linebacker, and the Cowboys are closely watching how many snaps he gets. The team and Smith say nerve regeneration is the biggest question with his injury. Therefore, they are optimistic he can eventually play at a level resembling what figured to make him a top 10 pick in 2016. Dallas gambled on him early in the second round.
HERE’S THE CATCH:
Dez Bryant was healthy and/or not involved in a contract dispute during the offseason for the first time since scoring a career-high 16 touchdowns three years ago. That was when the Cowboys won a playoff game for just the second time since their previous title following the 1995 season. Cole Beasley was the team’s leading receiver out of the slot and looked great in the preseason. Terrance Williams is back in the No. 2 role, and Brice Butler had a solid camp.
“This is the best wideout group we’ve had top to bottom by far,” Beasley said. “It’s not even close.”
YOUNG DEFENDERS
First-round pick Taco Charlton was the latest attempt to boost a lagging pass rush. Cornerbacks Chidobe Awuzie and Jourdan Lewis were the next two choices, but both have seen limited preseason action because of injuries. The Cowboys believe these rookies have talent, and need to see it quickly for a defense that doesn’t have much proven playmaking beyond All-Pro linebacker Sean Lee.
THE LAST WORD
“It’s a young, motivated group that loves to play, they love to study and it’s good when you have a group of guys like that. How many wins does that give you? I don’t know but it’s a hell of a job to go to work with these guys and enjoy it.” — 35-year-old Jason Witten, who needs two games and 17 yards receiving to become the franchise leader in both categories.