Cowboys Projected Roster: Getting to 53

The Cowboys have been decimated by injuries during training camp and the preseason games, but they’re hopeful most players will be ready for the fast-approaching Sept. 5 season opener.

The injuries have allowed the club to get a good look at younger players, which has ultimately affected depth-chart order and roster decisions.

Here’s a look at the projected 53-man roster, with two preseason games still to play.

Stock rising: How things have changed for rookie WR Cole Beasley, who decided to quit the team and football just a few days into camp, only to change his mind and return two days later. Since then, Beasley has been on the rise, catching seven balls for 104 yards in the second preseason game. He has a legitimate chance to win the No. 3 receiving spot.

Stock falling: While it doesn’t appear his job in his jeopardy, RB Felix Jones isn’t making a strong case to have a big season in what will be a “contract year” for the soon-to-be unrestricted free agent. Jones hasn’t looked sharp this preseason and training camp and not only has completely relinquished the starting role to DeMarco Murray, but he needs to be careful the group of Phillip Tanner, Lance Dunbar and Jamize Olawale don’t catch him on the depth chart as well.

QB -- In (2): Tony Romo, Kyle Orton. Out: Stephen McGee and Rudy Carpenter Analysis: So far in the preseason, McGee has done nothing to make the Cowboys think they need three quarterbacks on the roster. He is not practice squad eligible so if the Cowboys keep two, it could be Carpenter that returns to the practice squad.

RB -- In (5): DeMarco Murray, Felix Jones, Phillip Tanner, (FB) Lawrence Vickers and (FB/RB) Jamize Olawale. Out: Lance Dunbar, Javarris Williams and (FB) Shaun Chapas. Analysis: The one change from last week was the addition to Olawale, who has been impressive not only as a blocker, but a lead tailback as well. The former WR in college is a versatile player whom the Cowboys should want to see how he develops.

WR -- In (7): Miles Austin, Dez Bryant, Kevin Ogletree, Andre Holmes, Cole Beasley, Danny Coale and Dwayne Harris Out: Raymond Radway, Saalim Hakim, Donovan Kemp, Tim Benford and David Little. Analysis: Here’s another change this week, with the addition of yet another receiver. No one has established themselves as a leader among the non-starters, but they’ve all shown some flashes here and there. Keeping seven is likely, even though it might not be these exact seven receivers.

TE -- In (3): Jason Witten, John Phillips and James Hanna Out: Andrew Szczerba and Harry Flaherty. Analysis: All eyes remain on Witten as the season opener gets closer. His lacerated spleen injury could keep him out the first game although his target date remains for then. Hanna has done a good job as the No. 3 and it’s likely Szczerba is a player they’d like to keep around on the practice squad.

OL -- In (8): Tyron Smith, Doug Free, Nate Livings, Phil Costa, Mackenzy Bernadeau, Jermey Parnell, Ron Leary and David Arkin. Out: Pat McQuistan, Harland Gunn, Levy Adcock, Jeff Adams, Tyrone Novikoff, Daniel Loper and Derrick Dockery. Analysis: Trimmed off a spot this week, cutting tackle Pat McQuistan. The Cowboys don’t exactly need two swing tackles. Leary’s spot looks safe and Arkin has done enough at center to at least keep him around and see his continued development.

DL -- In (7): Jay Ratliff, Jason Hatcher, Sean Lissemore, Kenyon Coleman, Tyrone Crawford, Josh Brent and Ben Bass Out: Marcus Spears, Robert Calloway and Clifton Geathers, Analysis: Spears is making a push to be kept, but it’ll likely be between Coleman and Spears for that last spot. Calloway isn’t out of this mix yet either and he needs to unseat Brent for the final backup spot.

LB -- In (9): DeMarcus Ware, Anthony Spencer, Sean Lee, Bruce Carter, Dan Connor, Victor Butler, Alex Albright, Kyle Wilber, Adrian Hamilton Out: Baraka Atkins, Caleb McSurdy, Orie Lemon. On the bubble here is Lemon, who has played well on defense but hasn’t helped much on special teams. With Albright’s versatility to play inside, the Cowboys can afford not to keep Lemon and go with Hamilton, a rookie pass-rusher who needs to develop more but has athletic ability.

DB -- In (9): Brandon Carr, Mike Jenkins, Orlando Scandrick, Morris Claiborne, Gerald Sensabaugh, Barry Church, Danny McCray, Matt Johnson, Mario Butler Out: Mana Silva, Lionel Smith, Eddie Whitley, C.J. Wilson, Akwasi Owusu-Ansah ,Teddy Williams and Justin Taplin-Ross. Analysis: A change this week is moving out Silva, who played some at the end of last year but doesn’t have the best upside. He is a good special teams player, but Butler gives them more versatility with his ability to play both safety and corner.

Special teams -- In (3): Dan Bailey, Chris Jones, L.P. Ladouceur Out: Delbert Alvarado and Charley Hughlett. Analysis: The Cowboys like Hughlett as a snapper but it’s unlikely they will pull the trigger and cut Ladouceur, who has been near perfect his entire career.

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