And how do coaches determine whether a player is ready to start?
Do they put names in a hat, draw them and whoever's name is drawn, that player starts?
Do they throw darts at a board with players' names and wherever the dart lands, that is who starts?
Or do they evaluate a player in practice, his previous contributions either in practice or on another team and decide the player should start?
Brown hasn't been given a starting opportunity
because he wasn't good enough to earn a starting opportunity.
And how was/is that determination made? Based on practice and what the coaching staff knows about Brown and the other receivers competing against him for a starting position.
Wilson was in the same position as Brown. He filled his role as a niche player but made the most of it, unless Brown.
As for your citation of Miles Austin, Austin began to assert himself by his third year but was derailed by injuries. Brown hasn't been beset by injuries.
Also, Austin made the most of his opportunities, which is why he was inserted as a starter. Austin didn't become an instant starter. Brown has had his opportunities as a third or fourth receiver but hasn't really done much.
In three years, Austin had 3 touchdowns in a non-starting role; in the same time span, Brown has had 0 touchdowns.
Maybe lightning will strike and Brown will become Austin minus the hammy issues. But I doubt it. The best I can hope for is doing just enough to contribute to a balanced attack. Know your routes, run your routes, get open then hope Dak gets him the ball.
Anyway, just saw your response and wanted to give you a reply. But I'm done with this topic.
As always, being the consummate Cowboys fan, I hope I'm wrong. Nothing wrong with being wrong if it means the Cowboys and their players are winning.