Last Chance For Players to Clinch Roster Spots

The dreadful preseason is almost over and it all culminates tonight against the Houston Texans. We won’t see any starters, but for the rest of the players, all eyes will be on them as they try to secure final roster spots. The Cowboys still need to see something from just a handful of players before the final cuts are due this Saturday.

Here are players that could be fighting for a spot on this team.

— Keith Smith, LB

Smith has had a bit of a resurrection in his return to Dallas, but the work is not done. Smith will need to seal the deal with another solid outing tonight against the Texans’ backups. Smith making the team would be a nice story line, but the Cowboys will be watching closely.

— Dustin Vaughan, QB

The train may have left the station on Vaughan with poor play the last two games, and I’m not sure the Cowboys keep a third QB this year unless they still see some promise in Vaughan. As it sits now, the Cowboys could be looking at drafting a QB next draft. We saw the Cowboys get their feet wet when they interviewed and met with more QBs last draft than they have in previous draft classes.

— Jamiel Showers, QB

Showers could leapfrog Vaughan if he outplays him, but he’ll need to have a spectacular game to make it as the third QB on this team. Showers could be someone they would like to bring back to the practice squad however.

— Darrion Weems, OT

Weems needs to put in a good game, and the staff will be watching this area closely, as they may need another option via picking up someone else on the waiver wire or possibly trade a late round pick for someone they may like better.

— Gus Johnson, RB

I like what Johnson brings to the table with his physical running style, and that is something the Cowboys are going to miss this season with Murray bolting to the loser Eagles. If it were up to me, I’d pencil in Johnson over Dunbar, but we know that is not going to happen. For whatever reason the Cowboys want to keep Dunbar on the team for a handful of screen catches and a few stuffed run plays on the handoff. Give me another option at the #3 RB, give me Gus Johnson. Assuming the Cowboys cut Johnson, I’d hope he make it through waivers and stays onboard via the practice squad.

Which players will you be watching or routing tonight against the Texans?