There are a few players who appear to be on the bubble for making the roster who need strong performances in the final two preseason games.
QUARTERBACK
Jamiel Showers — For a variety of reasons, Showers has made only a few standout plays in the first two preseason games. To force Dallas to keep a third quarterback and not just place him on the practice squad, he's going to have to overcome playing with lesser talent around him and make some plays.
RUNNING BACK
Darius Jackson — Jackson could be kept in a crowded backfield no matter what, but he has yet to have a defining performance to cement a spot over either McFadden or Dunbar. He's got the speed and size, but he needs to show the vision and moves that would make him more than just a project.
FULLBACK
Keith Smith — Smith has the chance to show he should be kept over the other Smith or a fourth tight end by displaying the ability to be a lead blocker. He has the right temperament and even showed he can run with the ball. His special teams ability might give him a leg up for the spot, but he's got to be a blocker first.
TIGHT END
Austin Traylor — Traylor is a blocker, and if neither fullback proves capable, he could steal the roster spot out from underneath them. He might get one anyway if he stands out as a blocker.
WIDE RECEIVER
Andy Jones — We're still waiting to see the receiver who was bragged about in camp. Yes, he's been on the field, but he hasn't made many plays. Like many on this list, he might have a practice squad in his future, unless he can convince Dallas it can't risk waiving him, forcing the team to keep a sixth receiver.
OFFENSIVE LINE
Bryan Witzmann and Jake Brendel — While several of Dallas' backup offensive linemen have looked like garbage, these two have displayed potential. Since the Cowboys would probably like to keep a ninth lineman, particularly a tackle, one of these young players might can make the roster if their game continues to progress.
DEFENSIVE END
Ryan Russell — Russell probably isn't in danger of missing the roster with Lawrence and Gregory both suspended, but he hasn't proven in the first two preseason games that he deserves a spot on it. If he doesn't step up and show something, Dallas might search waivers or make a trade like last year's for David Irving for some backup help.
DEFENSIVE TACKLE
Rodney Coe — Coe seemed to be getting an understanding of what's being asked of him against Miami. He gets sloppy with technique, but showed the ability to hold his ground and make some plays. If he continues to improve, he could push his way on to the roster instead of Shanell Jenkins if Jenkins can't play in the next two games.
LINEBACKER
James Morris — With both Gachkar and Nzeocha sidelined, Morris should get plenty of opportunities to try to steal one of their roster spots. However, Morris is also fighting injury and might miss Thursday's game. If so, Derek Akunne and Deon King should get lots of playing time, but I'm not sure if either is really a threat to make the roster.
CORNERBACK
Josh Thomas — I've got five corners ahead of him, but the team might have him ahead of Deji Olaytoye. Either way, he's got to win a spot by continuing to play physical and showing he can be an asset in coverage and on special teams. Jeremiah McKinnon might also be fighting for this spot.
SAFETY
J.J. Wilcox — Wilcox has put himself on the outside of the bubble with some bad plays in coverage, but making some plays on special teams could help him get on the roster, if he doesn't have any more coverage gaffes, which is a big if.
Good list and write-up.
My top question is the DT Jenkins. If healthy he is not even a bubble player to me, but an injury could change things.
DT Coe is my top practice squad player and as you indicated has a small chance at a roster spot if Jenkins has a long term injury. Coe looked quite good in the Dolphins game. He is very strong and started using better technique.
I prefer Olatoye over Thomas and I would keep McKinnon over Thomas. This would be the 6th NFL season for Thomas and he was just OK against 2nd and 3rd team offensive players.
I don't think Morris, Akunne or King have a shot at the roster. They play Nickel (2 LBs) about 60% of the time. They should be able to get through a game with 5 active LBs and then promote someone from the practice squad later if another injury occurs before Nzeocha or Gachkar are healthy. If Keith Smith makes it as a FB, he could serve as an emergency LB.
Garrett seems to be a big fan of Keith Smith. The keep using formations with a FB in the preseason which tells me they likely keep one. I would go without one for the 1st cut to 53 and then bring Keith Smith back when a roster spot opens up due to injury, but I think the Cowboys will keep him. He can also serve as an emergency backup LB on game day and he is a top special teams player.
Traylor is an excellent in-line blocker, but he should be easy to retain on the practice squad.
Andy Jones should be easy to retain on the practice squad.
Any of the OLinemen after the top 8 should be easy to retain on the practice squad.
I would keep the RB Jackson on the 53. They could just consider Dunbar as taking the 6th WR spot because I expect him to be used primarily as a receiver.
Showers is a big question. I think he would make it to the practice squad; although, he might accept a practice squad spot with another team if he thinks that would give him a better chance to succeed.
I still think they will consider keep Rico Gathers just for his future potential. He is not ready, but he has improved significantly since the early practices in training camp. He actually made some decent blocks in the Dolphins game.
Wilcox has regressed. He was "good enough" in 2014 but he does not appear to even be that now. I'll be surprised if they cut him, but he is making 1.66M this year and Stephen Jones likes to save cap dollars whenever possible.
I still think Russell has some talent. With Lawrence out and some injury questions on the DL, I think he makes the 53. He could get bumped when Lawrence returns but spots often open up due to injuries.
