Similar to last season, the 2021 Dallas Cowboys roster selection will be impacted by injuries, COVID-19 Protocals, and rule changes. There will be no limit on players placed on IR for a minimum of 3 weeks provided they are selected to initial 53 man roster. Additionally, the practice squad will once again consist of 16 players. This 53 man Dallas Cowboys roster projection is a prediction of what the roster will look like once the dust settles. The following players I expect to be placed on Injured Reserve: CB Reggie Robinson II, FB Sewi Olinilua, RB Rico Dowdle, DT Neville Gallimore, DT Trysten Hill, OT Josh Ball, DE Chauncey Golston R
QUARTERBACK (3)
The competition for the backup quarterback position is fierce. The possibility of bringing in a veteran free agent is definitely in the cards but I believe the Cowboys will stick with the guys currently on the roster. I also believe they go deeper at QB as a precautionary measure with Dak Prescott‘s recent injury history.
RUNNING BACK (3)
Losing special team contributor Rico Dowdle for the season was a bit of a blow for the Cowboys but I do not believe he is replaced by JaQuan Hardy on the 53 man roster. I also predict they will include a Full Back on this year’s roster.
- Ezekiel Elliott
- Tony Pollard
- Nick Ralston R
WIDE RECEIVER (6)
The Wide Receiver position is easily one of the strongest on the entire Dallas Cowboys roster. Beyond the big 3, it really is unclear how many receivers the Cowboys will keep on their roster and what the expectation will be for special teams contribution. I decided to go with the best 6 for this roster projection.
TIGHT END (3)
The biggest question mark here is concerning the health of Sean McKeon who was having a very strong camp before suffering a high ankle sprain. In my opinion, he has shown enough to earn a roster spot.
OFFENSIVE TACKLE (5)
The swing tackle spot is a concern as always for the Cowboys. Last year, Terrance Steele was a total disaster to begin the season but eventually transformed into serviceable by season’s end. Hopefully, he can continue to develop and grow. Brandon Knight also struggled but has value as both an interior and exterior lineman.
INTERIOR OL (4)
Connor Williams has had plenty of reps at center in the pre-season and has strugged snapping the ball. Hopefully he is getting all the kinks now and he will be good to go if he has to fill in for Biadasz during the regular season.
DEFENSIVE END (4)
I would love to include Bradlee Anae in this 53 man roster projection but I feel as though defensive tackle is a bigger priority and so he will likely get cut and not make it to the practice squad.
DEFENSIVE TACKLE (5)
The Cowboys will need some extra depth here with Gallimore and Trysten Hill unavailable to start the season. Defensive Tackle was an area of need in the offseason and the Cowboys addressed it with a mix of veterans and rookies.
- Carlos Watkins
- Brent Urban
- Osi Odighizuwa R
- Quinton Bohanna R
- Justin Hamilton
LINEBACKER (5)
This is a position group that is in a period of transition. The future for Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch is up in the air, but it is nice to have both of them on the team while Micah Parsons and Jabril Cox are still wet behind the ears.
- Micah Parsons R
- Keanu Neal
- Leighton Vander Esch
- Jaylon Smith
- Jabril Cox R
CORNER BACK (7)
This is a position group that I expect the Cowboys to go especially deep with a good mix of veterans, rookies, and special team contributors.
- Trevon Diggs
- Anthony Brown
- Maurice Canady
- Jourdan Lewis
- Kelvin Joseph R
- Nahshon Wright R
- C.J. Goodwin
SAFETY (5)
Safety is another position that I expect the Cowboys to go deep on. The signings of both Malik Hooker and Damontae Kazee were low risk and high reward but questions surrounding their health remain.
- Donavan Wilson
- Damontae Kazee
- Malik Hooker
- Jayron Kearse
- Israel Mukuamu R
SPECIAL TEAMS (3)
- Greg Zuerlein (kicker)
- Bryan Anger (punter)
- Jake McQuaide (long snapper)
PRACTICE SQUAD CANDIDATES
- Ben DiNucci (QB)
- JaQuan Hardy (RB)
- Malik Turner (WR)
- Reggie Davis (WR)
- Isaac Alarcon (OT)
- Matt Farniok (C) R
- Ron’dell Carter (DE)
- Azur Kamara (LB)
This my best guess at the 53 man Dallas Cowboys roster projection but there are sure to be a few surprises. The Cowboys are likely to add some players that were cut from other teams rosters and may have to make some tough decisions before placing players on the Injured reserve list. We will all find out soon enough and surely the pre-season finale on Sunday is going to factor into many of those decisions.
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