Cowboys inactives list headlined by surprise on offense vs Bucs
Weekend whispers turned into reality when the Dallas Cowboys released their list of inactive players ahead of tonight's Sunday Night Football showdown versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Over the last couple of days, media members speculated on third-round draft pick Jalen Tolbert being inactive for the Cowboys' season opener. They were proven to be right. The […]
Weekend whispers turned into reality when the Dallas Cowboys released their list of inactive players ahead of tonight's Sunday Night Football showdown versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Over the last couple of days, media members speculated on third-round draft pick Jalen Tolbert being inactive for the Cowboys' season opener. They were proven to be right.
The move is a big surprise considering third-round picks commonly earn at least a small gameday role, especially in Dallas where the front office gives itself a lot of credit for its drafting skills.
The wide receiver out of South Alabama was expected to undertake a big role with Michael Gallup out but instead, it will be Simi Fehoko and Dennis Houston leading the way behind the starters. Return specialist KaVontae Turpin could also see some playing time tonight as Kellen Moore has suggested there's a role for the speedy receiver on his offense.
On one hand, it's disappointing that Tolbert is inactive for the Cowboys. After all, you wish your third-round pick is ready for a role in Week 1, even if it's a rotational one.
On the other hand, it's a sign the coaching staff is deciding who plays – and who doesn't – based on merit. They could've easily suited Tolbert up for optics to hide the fact that their third-rounder isn't ready. A surprising amount of NFL teams would've taken this route.
Instead, Houston and Fehoko have been determined as the best options at the position for gameday.
Just last Thursday night, Bills media applauded Buffalo for starting sixth-round CB Christian Benford over first-rounder Kaiir Elam because it was a move that screamed meritocracy. It isn't about where you come from or where you were drafted, the best player gets to play. Period.
Sure feels like that's how Cowboys fans should take the coaches' decision to make Tolbert inactive.
Here are the official inactive lists for both teams:
Cowboys inactives:
- WR Jalen Tolbert
- WR Michael Gallup
- LB Jabril Cox
- DT John Ridgeway
- S Israel Mukuamu
- S Markquese Bell
- CB Nahshon Wright
Bucs inactive:
- T Fred Johnson
- CB Zyon McCollum
- WR Scotty Miller
- TE Kyle Rudolph
- QB Kyle Trask
- RB Ke'Shawn Vaughn
Featured image via Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
