Brian Schottenheimer foreshadows roster move that’s likely to translate into Cowboys fan favorite not making the 53-man roster
The Dallas Cowboys are planning to make a roster move before their preseason finale against the New Orleans Saints on Friday night.
UPDATE: Since the publishing of this article, the Dallas Cowboys signed TE Mitchell Van Vooren. The below still informs the context behind the signing and what’s next. The Cowboys waived DT Kevin Gilliam as a result of the addition.
Dallas Cowboys fans and media have speculated about roster moves that are likely to come before the start of a regular season. Speculation about potentially adding a linebacker or bolsering depth at cornerback and across the offensive line is common.
But head coach Brian Schottenheimer foreshadowed another roster move that he expects the Cowboys to make in the imminent future: a tight end signing.
And the reasoning behind it could in turn foreshadows one of the Cowboys preseason fan favorites not making the 53-man roster.
Cowboys looking at tight end because of injuries
The Cowboys are currently so happy with Jake Ferguson and Brevyn Spann-Ford that neither has played in the preseason. Luke Schoonmaker is currently on track to be TE3 after having a solid preseason game versus the Arizona Cardinals.
However, it’s not all good news at the position. Schottenheimer admitted undrafted rookie tight end Michael Trigg might miss the preseason finale with the same toe injury that kept him from playing in Arizona.
“(Michael Trigg and DJ Rogers) are working back,” Schottenheimer said. “Whether they make it back in time for the game, we’ll see. But I expect us to add a tight end.”
Trigg quickly emerged as a fan favorite rookie in training camp and stood out in the preseason opener. But if he misses the preseason finale scheduled for Friday night, it’s highly unlikely he makes the 53-man roster.
The door is open for the Cowboys to stash him on Injured Reserve, though. That would allow Dallas to keep him from hitting waivers, where any other NFL team could claim him.
As for the preseason finale, expect to see a little bit of Luke Schoonmaker mixed with a lot of Zack Kuntz (who made his Cowboys debut last weekend and received praise from Schottenheimer despite a couple of drops) and whoever Dallas does sign at tight end.
But right now, it’s unlikely any tight end joins Ferguson, Spann-Ford, and Schoonmaker on the 53-man roster. The exception could be Trigg, if he heals up in time to play Friday.
