Looks like they liked it so much they made it permanent.
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IRVING, Texas – In an attempt to get their rookie right tackle more comfortable, the Cowboys made a significant change on the offensive line Monday.
And Tyron Smith didn't change a thing.
But the reason for moving veteran Kyle Kosier from left guard to right guard has everything to do with putting an experienced player who is familiar with this offensive scheme next to a 20-year-old rookie who is learning on the run.
With Montrae Holland missing another practice because of a back injury along with an overall shaky performance this camp, the idea that fourth-round pick David Arkin might line up at guard is becoming more of a possibility.
If that happens, the Cowboys obviously don't want a rookie right side combination of Arkin and Smith, both trying to learn the ropes together.
"The reason is really two-fold," offensive line coach Hudson Houck said. "One, (Kosier) can be very helpful to the right tackle. And two, he does feel very comfortable over there. We're just seeing combinations right now."
It's more of a domino effect that might actually begin with Holland and end with Smith.
Because of Holland's injury issues – a stiff back and a minor knee injury – that have plagued him this camp, the Cowboys are having to come to the realization of possibly needing another guard option. And if it's Arkin, a fourth-round pick from Missouri State, it might not help the maturation process of Smith.
"There are lots of factors involved," Houck said. "And this isn't to say Montrae can't play the left side. He's done that, too. So we're just seeing what we've got."
Holland actually filled in for Kosier at left guard for the first two games last year and just last weekend, owner/GM Jerry Jones gave a vote of confidence for Holland, stating he had "never let us down" when given the opportunity.
Houck said the transition from left to right guard is virtually seamless.
And then there's Arkin, who is also trying to figure out the league, much less left and right guard.
Arkin was at left guard for the first week of practice before Kosier was eligible to practice, so moving spots once again is nothing new.
"That's not a huge deal for me. I was playing left earlier in camp," said Arkin, who added that learning from left tackle Doug Free was beneficial. "That was good. He was talking to me, teaching me a lot of stuff. He was really helpful."
One thing coach Jason Garrett told reporters he liked about Arkin was his consistent aggression, even on plays where he makes mistakes.
"That's just the way I have to play to be successful," Arkin said. "If I'm not being aggressive, I'm not going to be successful. That's the way I was taught to play. I'm not the biggest, strongest, fastest guy, but I've got some good athleticism. If I just play hard, that's one thing I've got in my pocket."
And if he goes back and forth at the guard spots, he'll have some versatility as well, but he's still lacking overall experience. And for now, it seems to be a high priority to get some of that next to Smith.
