With Ellis still sidelined, Carpenter is taking reps at outside linebacker.
IRVING, Texas - The Cowboys moved second-year linebacker Bobby Carpenter from outside to inside this off-season. But with the Greg Ellis still out rehabbing his sore heel, the Cowboys will give Carpenter some snaps back at outside linebacker this week in practice.
In fact, Phillips said he expects Carpenter to play some at outside linebacker in Saturday's preseason game with the Texans.
"We have to be realistic, too, and so we worked Bobby a little bit outside and we'll play him some in this game outside for that very reason," Phillips said. "We still need three outside 'backers that can play. I think with Bobby there, we'd have three for sure."
Carpenter, who played outside linebacker in a 4-3 scheme in college at Ohio State, spent part of his rookie season as a backup outside 'backer in the 3-4 scheme. After playing mostly as a backup and special teams contributor, Carpenter got more playing time once Ellis tore his Achilles in the ninth game of the season.
Carpenter started the season finale against Detroit and then the playoff loss to Seattle, where he had his best game of the season, recording five tackles, one for a loss and breaking up three passes.
But with Ellis expected to return and rookie Anthony Spencer's arrival, the Cowboys moved Carpenter and Kevin Burnett from outside to inside this off-season.
Carpenter has just three tackles through two preseason games this year, but did have an interception in the fourth quarter of last Saturday's win over Denver.
