Cowboys right guard Leonard Davis hasn’t missed a start since signing a seven-year, $49.6 million contract to leave Arizona for Dallas during the 2007 offseason. It appears that may change shortly.
After allowing two first-half sacks to Titans defensive tackle Jason Jones in Sunday’s loss, Davis was benched in favor of journeyman guard Montrae Holland. Both takedowns of quarterback Tony Romo came on crucial plays -- the first in a third-and-long situation and the second on first down to begin a string of negative plays that resulted in a punt after Dallas had driven to the Titans’ 34-yard line.
Davis did reenter, but offensive coordinator Jason Garrett indicated that no starter has been decided upon for Dallas’ Week Six game at Minnesota.
“We just have to evaluate the tape and make those decisions tomorrow,” said the Cowboys’ play-caller, per Tim MacMahon of ESPNDallas.com. "... Leonard early in the ballgame was having a hard time with some of (the Titans’) inside pass rush. We just felt at the time it was the right thing to do.”
A Pro Bowler in three straight seasons entering this one, Davis is earning collecting a $5 million salary in 2010. If his benching sticks, Davis would likely be released in the upcoming offseason. The 32-year-old’s salary jumps to $6 million in 2011.