The Dallas Cowboys’ hand has been forced ... by the Dallas Cowboys' knee, ankle and hamstring.
A Thursday transaction necessitated by a trio of offensive line injury issues means the Cowboys have now waived linebacker Devin Harper. ... but not because of any particular issue in his performance.
Harper, a 2022 sixth-round pick, has worked as a helper on special teams this season. ... and him being shipped out leaves that Leighton Vander Esch-led room awfully thin.
But right now - with the team creating an empty spot on the 53-man roster - the reason for the opening is clear …
On Thursday ahead of the Week 4 visit to AT&T Stadium from the New England Patriots, offensive lineman Tyron Smith (knee) did not practice. And fellow offensive linemen Zack Martin (ankle) and Tyler Biadasz (hamstring) were limited.
We spoke to Martin, and the (usual) ironman is clearly both frustrated by missing action and optimistic about getting back on the field. But that trio of starters sat out last week’s loss at the Arizona Cardinals, with head coach Mike McCarthy admitting after the failure that he and the staff probably left the emergency subs for them undertrained and underprepared - not to mention short-handed in general.
So now, a lesson learned, Dallas wants insurance for this week… which could come in the form of the full-time signing of somebody like center Brock Hoffman moving up from practice squad.
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