Cowboys Notebook: Rookie QBs on horizon

The Cowboys’ defense looks to match the success it had against Eagles rookie QB Nick Foles when Dallas faces first-year players Brandon Weeden and Robert Griffin III in its next two games. (US Presswire)

The Cowboys weren’t prepared for Philadelphia’s Nick Foles to enter the game last week after Michael Vick’s concussion. Although it was a big change for both teams, it might have been a big reason the Cowboys were able to pull away in the fourth quarter when Foles threw an interception for a touchdown and had a fumble in the end zone that was recovered for a score.

The Cowboys can only hope to have the same success against other rookies. Their next two games are against first-year pros, and a Dec. 2 rematch with the Eagles might have them facing Foles again, depending on Vick’s ability.

Sunday’s game with the Browns will pit the Cowboys against rookie Brandon Weeden, who is last in the NFL with a 67.9 quarterback rating. Four days later, Robert Griffin III returns to his home state with the Redskins on Thanksgiving Day. Griffin has struggled lately, but is ninth in the NFL with a 93.9 quarterback rating.

Coleman to IR: The Cowboys placed veteran DE Kenyon Coleman on injured reserve after he underwent surgery Tuesday for torn triceps. The Cowboys will likely sign rookie Ben Bass from the practice squad. Bass, an undrafted defensive end from Texas A&M, was one of the final cuts when the roster was reduced to 53. Bass will be the second player in the last week, joining CB Vincent Agnew, to be called up from the practice squad. The club will likely fill both spots this week.

The Cowboys are expected to use a rotation of veteran Marcus Spears, rookie Tyrone Crawford, and possibly Bass, to fill in for Coleman, who was 11^th on the defense with 22 tackles.