By Calvin Watkins
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IRVING -- The Cowboys were missing just one player at Wednesday's practice, Felix Jones (ankle), and that means numerous lineup changes are forthcoming. We look at three main ones.
The return of Jason Hatcher
Hatcher has missed the last three games with a strained left calf. When he started, Hatcher had two sacks and nine tackles in the first three weeks of the season. With his return, it could force Marcus Spears to the bench. Jason Garrett praised Spears' play in last week's victory over St. Louis. Hatcher said he doesn't care if he gets the starting gig again. That's a good attitude to have because defensive coordinator Rob Ryan uses all of his defensive linemen.
Bruce Carter will be active
A noticeable sight at Cowboys practice on Wednesday was seeing the rookie linebacker with the first-team punt units. Carter has missed the first six weeks due to his recovery from knee surgery. He was fully recovered in September but the team placed him on the non-football injury list. He's eligible to play now and that means Jesse Holley, who earned a spot on this team because of his special teams play, could be in trouble. Holley was wearing an orange beanie on his helmet Wednesday morning. Meaning? Holley is on the scout team. This could change if Carter struggles with the assignments in practice. We're not sure if the Cowboys will release Holley, but with him moving down the depth chart and with Keith Brooking also getting some time on special teams, things could get interesting.
David Buehler kicking
On Monday, Garrett said Buehler was still dealing with an injured groin. He's missed the last four games because of it. Dan Bailey has kicked well during that time, making 14 consecutive field goals with Buehler on the sidelines. He's currently on a 16 consecutive field goals made streak heading into the Philadelphia game. The Cowboys seemed to be gaining confidence in Bailey while Buehler tries to get healthy. The Cowboys could give Buehler an injury settlement or wait for him to get healthy then release him.
Link
IRVING -- The Cowboys were missing just one player at Wednesday's practice, Felix Jones (ankle), and that means numerous lineup changes are forthcoming. We look at three main ones.
The return of Jason Hatcher
Hatcher has missed the last three games with a strained left calf. When he started, Hatcher had two sacks and nine tackles in the first three weeks of the season. With his return, it could force Marcus Spears to the bench. Jason Garrett praised Spears' play in last week's victory over St. Louis. Hatcher said he doesn't care if he gets the starting gig again. That's a good attitude to have because defensive coordinator Rob Ryan uses all of his defensive linemen.
Bruce Carter will be active
A noticeable sight at Cowboys practice on Wednesday was seeing the rookie linebacker with the first-team punt units. Carter has missed the first six weeks due to his recovery from knee surgery. He was fully recovered in September but the team placed him on the non-football injury list. He's eligible to play now and that means Jesse Holley, who earned a spot on this team because of his special teams play, could be in trouble. Holley was wearing an orange beanie on his helmet Wednesday morning. Meaning? Holley is on the scout team. This could change if Carter struggles with the assignments in practice. We're not sure if the Cowboys will release Holley, but with him moving down the depth chart and with Keith Brooking also getting some time on special teams, things could get interesting.
David Buehler kicking
On Monday, Garrett said Buehler was still dealing with an injured groin. He's missed the last four games because of it. Dan Bailey has kicked well during that time, making 14 consecutive field goals with Buehler on the sidelines. He's currently on a 16 consecutive field goals made streak heading into the Philadelphia game. The Cowboys seemed to be gaining confidence in Bailey while Buehler tries to get healthy. The Cowboys could give Buehler an injury settlement or wait for him to get healthy then release him.
