The Dallas Cowboys practice squad is finalized, with a few familiar names in tow. The practice squad is used as a resource for the team. If a player on the 53 gets injured, a roster squad player can step off the bench and help supplement as needed.
Currently, the practice squad for the Cowboys has 17 players, a few of which were sensations during preseason. Who has the best chance of coming off the practice squad and onto the field?
Dallas Cowboys Practice Squad Players with the Most Potential to Play
RB Dalvin Cook
The most recent acquisition to the Cowboys is Dalvin Cook. Cook is a very experienced running back in the league. He’s played for the Vikings and the Jets. His most recent season wasn’t all that hot, but before that, Cook racked up over 1,000 yards for the past four seasons. In 2020, he had an all-time high of 16 touchdowns in a season.
Cook is hovering in the practice squad probably eyeing the spot of Ezekiel Elliott. Although Elliott is a fan-favorite and loved by the coaches, he hasn’t had much time to show his talent on the field. There are concerns, as Elliott was let go originally due to lack of performance. Not to mention that with more years under his belt, Elliott could be prone to injury.
But it isn’t just Elliott with concerns. Rico Dowdle has suffered from injury in the past. There’s a bit of concern all over this running back room, so it’s fortunate Cook is waiting in the wings.
DE Carl Lawson
Originally picked up early in training camp, it first appeared that Lawson was likely to start. He seemed to be the depth that the Cowboys were looking for. They even made a trade to acquire him.
Yet, the EDGE room ran deeper than first appeared, leading to Lawson sitting on the practice squad. Most of the guys in the defensive end room are young and hopefully not as susceptible to injury. However, because the room is a little smaller with only five players, it might be nice to have Lawson ready if needed.
DB Kemon Hall
Hall encountered much of the same difficulty as Lawson. He was placed in a highly competitive, very strong room. It was surprising he didn’t make the 53-man roster. However, the Cowboys redeemed themselves by giving him a chance on the practice squad.
Hall played very well in preseason, getting a pick-six, his first one since college when he snagged one from Jerry Jones’ grandson.
He’s a talented player who’s likely to see some time on the field if anything happens to the other corners. Already, there’s been an injury with DaRon Bland, and Trevon Diggs is coming off of an ACL tear. Hopefully, nothing else goes wrong with this cornerback room.
If there is, though, it’s nice to have a talented defensive player like Hall on the practice squad.
WR Jalen Moreno-Cropper
Cropper had a rough preseason debut. He fumbled a punt return and didn’t make many notable catches. Competing for that sixth spot at wide receiver also wasn’t easy.
He was going against guys like Tyron Billy-Johnson and Racey McMath, who had great training camps, too. Not to mention Ryan Flournoy, the rookie that would beat him out for that WR6 spot.
However, Cropper was welcomed onto the practice squad. With CeeDee Lamb on the Commissioner Exempt list and Brandin Cooks still nursing a minor injury, it is likely Cropper could get more playing time than originally anticipated.
Dallas Cowboys Practice Squad with High Potential
These aren’t the only players that have stood out for the Cowboys, but they are the ones fans are most excited to see prove themselves on the field. The hope is that everyone will remain healthy for the regular season, but if not, then it’s great to have these kinds of players as the backups.
Main Image: Gary A. Vasquez – USA Today Sports
