News: SAEN: Garrett gives Free, reshuffled line a tepid review

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IRVING – Dallas Cowboys coach Jason Garrett gave a tepid review to the reshuffled offensive line the team unveiled in Saturday’s 24-18 preseason win over Cincinnati.

“I thought the combination took a little time to get going, guys playing some different spots,” Garrett said Monday. “Really, specifically, Doug Free playing inside in a game for the first time. But I thought as the game wore on, he did better and better and better. I thought the combinations did better and better.”

With left guards Nate Livings and Ron Leary still recovering from knee surgery, the Cowboys moved Free from right tackle to right guard and shifted right guard Mackenzy Bernadeau to the left side. Jermey Parnell started at right tackle, while left tackle Tyron Smith and rookie center Travis Frederick manned their usual spots.

But all eyes were on Free, who has never played guard at any level.

“Doug is a smart guy,” Garrett said. “You see him improving based on the experience that he’s had. Even within the game, it was impressive that way.”

The same line that started against the Bengals likely will be on the field for the season opener against the New York Giants on Sept. 8 unless Leary returns. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said Livings, who started at left guard last season, has a degenerative condition in his right knee and might not return any time soon.

“I think with the situation that we’re in on the offensive line you’re just looking for the best five guys and maybe more importantly, the best combination of guys,” coach Jason Garrett said. “We’ll see who we get back and we’ll see who’s healthy and make our best decisions.”

Free has declined to speak to reporters about how he played, but Garrett praised the veteran’s attitude toward the move.

“His attitude has been fantastic,” Garrett said. “It’s always been fantastic. Whatever we’ve asked him to do since he’s been here, he’s done 100 miles per hour and this is no different.”

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