The Dallas Cowboys NEED to Get Their Young Prospect More Playing Time
Of all the players who helped the Dallas Cowboys win against the Chicago Bears, there was none more surprising than fifth-round rookie linebacker Damone Clark. Clark made his rookie debut after being absent from contact following his spinal fusion to repair a herniated disk. An injury that looked as if he would miss the entire […]
Of all the players who helped the Dallas Cowboys win against the Chicago Bears, there was none more surprising than fifth-round rookie linebacker Damone Clark.
Clark made his rookie debut after being absent from contact following his spinal fusion to repair a herniated disk. An injury that looked as if he would miss the entire season, but instead was able to recover from it quick enough to be cleared to play.
And play he did.
His activation for the game was surprising in it of itself. With LB Devin Harper placed on IR, the initial thought was Clark would be inactive for week eight, and Jabril Cox's load would increase.
Just the opposite.
Not only did Clark play, he played 40 defensive snaps. Following LB Anthony Barr leaving with an injured hamstring, Clark stepped in.
Registering six tackles for the game and displaying the same speed that had him as a presumed day two pick, prior to his injury.
His speed alone warrants more playing time on defense. Even more so is the liability having Barr and Leighton Vander Esch on the field together has become.
Barr still shows the ability to pressure when asked to do so, but can't run laterally at the same rate that Clark displays.
The Dallas Cowboys indicate that Barr's injury is not serious and will have the bye week to heal.
However, the speed and health of Clark are reason enough to put him on the field more. Alleviating some of the strain of having LVE and Barr on the field together.
While Barr should not be taken off full time, Clark has earned plays. Barr's experience and ability to create pressure when asked to are too valuable not to have as an option. Freeing up LB Micah Parsons to do whatever he needs to do.
The bye week will allow Barr's hamstring to heal and give Clark more practice time with the 1's. Practice time that should lead to more game time.
Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports
