The regular season is now just one week away, but the Cowboys still have one preseason game to play.
Wednesday’s finale against the Dolphins might seem like a throw-away game to some, especially considering that most of the starters and regular contributors won’t be playing, but it’s the final opportunity for a few other hopefuls trying to make the squad.
Let’s look at five rookies who could use a strong performance against Miami at Cowboys Stadium.
Danny Coale (WR, fifth-round pick, Virginia Tech) – This is one of the more intriguing decisions the Cowboys will have to make. Fifth-round picks are usually safe, but Coale just hasn’t been able to show much because of a broken foot injury he suffered in May. Other receivers like Cole Beasley and Dwayne Harris have elevated past him. The Cowboys would probably like to get him to the practice squad, but fifth-round picks are usually grabbed up on waivers if released.
Lance Dunbar (RB, undrafted, North Texas) – His hamstring injury that prevented him from playing the first two preseason games was costly. The speedy tailback was turning heads in the offseason and early in camp and his return ability gave him a shot to make it. But he’s going to need a few big plays in Wednesday’s game to prove he needs to stay on the roster.
Ben Bass (DE, undrafted, Texas A&M) – He’s gone from an obscure workout guy back in May to a player with a legitimate chance to make the team. Bass was very active in the first preseason game, recording two tackles for loss and a sack. He’s been good in the last two games, despite going up against better competition.
Jamize Olawale (RB/FB, undrafted, North Texas) - Two weeks ago, it seemed like his chances of making the 53-man roster were better than they might be currently. He’s still in the mix because of his versatility. He’s played both fullback and tailback and was a receiver/tight end in college. So he has the skills but is still a raw player trying to learn his way in the league.
Adrian Hamilton (OLB, undrafted, Prairie View A&M) - As a pass rusher, the Cowboys are high on Hamilton, who had 20.5 sacks last season alone in college. But he’s still on the bubble because the club isn’t sold on his readiness to play right away. Special teams is new to him and making the adjustment to outside linebacker hasn’t been easy.
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