IRVING, Texas -- The Dallas Cowboys made two roster moves during the week, so when we Ponder the 46 for Sunday’s game against the San Diego Chargers, two of the inactives seem to be pretty easy: defensive tackle Drake Nevis and cornerback Chris Greenwood.
They just have not had enough time in the system to allow them to be successful in a game.
Miles Austin will miss the game with a hamstring strain, so the Cowboys will go with four wide receivers for the third time in four games this season.
Here’s where things could change: Ernie Sims is healthy, which could put Phillip Tanner on the bench, and Mackenzy Bernadeau has had a second week of work as a backup center, which could put Phil Costa on the bench.
The Cowboys have dressed eight offensive linemen in every game this season, but Costa has seen only one offensive snap, and that was as a fullback. To me it makes more sense to add tight end Andre Smith into the mix because of his ability to block.
Sims can take Tanner’s special teams snaps, which would mean rookie running back Joseph Randle would be the third tailback. Randle is a better runner, but Tanner is more skilled in pass protection. With the limited availability of snaps, having Randle on hand as a runner is a better option.
So the guess at the inactives this week is: Austin, Nevis, Greenwood, Tanner, Costa, David Arkin and Darrion Weems.