The Dallas Cowboys have announced their seven inactive players for tonight’s Week One game against the New York Giants. Some were to be expected, but there are a few surprises.
ALERT: #Cowboys Inactives: QB Rush, CB beneikere, CB Lewis, OL Cooper, WR Brown, LB Hitchens, RB McFadden @1053TheFan
— fishsports ✭ (@fishsports) September 10, 2017
The stunner on that list is Darren McFadden, who was believed to be the team’s number-two back behind Ezekiel Elliott. However, Alfred Morris has had a strong camp and preseason. With Rod Smith being used on special teams, it was likely that one of the two veterans wouldn’t dress tonight. It is a surprise to see it be McFadden, though, and makes you wonder what his long-term job security is.
Jonathan Cooper being inactive make it clear that Chaz Green will be getting the start at left guard. Byron Bell will serve as the swing tackle and another backup guard option along with Joe Looney.
Some fans will be disappointed by Cooper Rush not dressing, but the Cowboys re-signed Kellen Moore this week for a reason. Rush may be the number-two QB at some point this year, but Dallas clearly thought Week One was just too soon for the rookie.
I am sorry but Coop played against 3rd and 4th string defenses the entire preseason. When he played against the 2nd string he struggled with less than 3 yards per attempt. Moore faced both 1st and 2nd teams with mainly 3rd and 4th string WRs. Major talent differential. He didn’t get starter help against the ones. Half of the Oline were backups against the ones. Does anyone think that Kellen was going to ball with those limitations. Nobody would expect Dak to.