With Cowboys training camp only one day old, there are obviously several key players worth watching and many questions still to answer. Tony Romo will always be questioned if he can win the big game. Dez Bryant’s legal situation has his status influx and just about every player needs to stay healthy to fully contribute.
Here are three veterans to keep an extra close eye on:
DE Marcus Spears -- Drafted in the first round of 2005, just nine picks behind perennial All-Pro DeMarcus Ware, Spears has been a staple in the Cowboys’ defense over the years, despite not always being a standout performer. Currently, he’s backing up veteran Kenyon Coleman at DE but youngsters Tyrone Crawford, Sean Lissemore and Clifton Geathers are seemingly in the mix. It’s possible Spears’ days are numbered in Dallas. His $2 million base salary isn’t a killer but it’s still rather high for a backup.
G Mackenzy Bernadeau -- Signed in the offseason as one of seven veteran free agents, Bernadeau has yet to get on the field for any practice, after undergoing hip surgery in May. He’s still on PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) and the longer he remains there, more reps will be given to young guys such as David Arkin and rookie Ronald Leary. Bernardeau is seemingly close to returning although he said Sunday he has “no timetable” for a return. But the Cowboys gave him a four-year, $11 million contract for a reason.
CB Mike Jenkins -- This one might be obvious but you can’t have a “veteran to watch” list without him. Jenkins has been the storyline all summer long as questions have lingered on his overall happiness after the Cowboys signed Brandon Carr and drafted Morris Claiborne. Jenkins is in a contract season and hasn’t been healthy because of a torn rotator cuff. On Monday, Jenkins said he never asked for a trade and said he understands the business-side and isn’t upset about his role for 2012. Jenkins is probably two weeks away from practicing. Once he returns, it’ll be interesting to see not only his attitude, but how the Cowboys use him on the field with Carr, Claiborne and even Orlando Scandrick.
Follow Cowboys reporter Nick Eatman on Twitter @CBSSportsNFLDAL or @nickeatman
