IRVING, Texas -- Anthony Spencer will make his season debut Sunday against the New Orleans Saints but as we ponder the Dallas Cowboys' 46-man roster, what will the rest of the defensive line look like?
Henry Melton is questionable and was limited in his one day of work Friday. Terrell McClain has passed all of his concussion tests, and he said he will be able to play but is questionable. Davon Coleman was limited Thursday and Friday as he worked back from a knee/calf injury suffered in the weight room and is questionable.
With Spencer on board, Jack Crawford and Lavar Edwards appear to be the odd men out at defensive end but the tackle spot is so beat up, one might have to be up if Melton and Coleman can't play. Tyrone Crawford could slip inside to defensive tackle and George Selvie could start at left defensive end.
There are questions at linebacker too. Rolando McClain was able to practice in a limited fashion Friday and is also questionable. Justin Durant will return after a two-game absence with a groin injury
Let's get the easy inactives out of the way: Quarterback Dustin Vaughan and tackle Donald Hawkins will also be inactive. Like last week, there's just not enough room for cornerback Tyler Patmon, even against a team that throws it as much as the Saints.
The final four spots are a little more up in the air. My gut says Rolando McClain will be able to play but the Cowboys use him solely in the base defense, like they did in the opener against the San Francisco 49ers before Durant got hurt. My sense on Melton and Coleman is not as optimistic, which gives Jack Crawford and Edwards a second chance.
So the guess at the inactives is: Vaughan, Hawkins, Patmon, Edwards, Melton, Coleman and Korey Toomer.