The Cowboys need more linemen than in recent years by switching to a 4-3, but an injury to one of them isn’t going to trigger a shopping spree.
In the wake of the season-ending Achilles injury to defensive end Tyrone Crawford, Cowboys vice president Stephen Jones said they wouldn’t be looking elsewhere.
“The guy that will replace Crawford is already on the roster,” Jones said, via the team’s official website. “We certainly like the guys on our roster better than anyone that is out there.”
That’s not a good sign for Anthony Hargrove, who was cut before camp after a brief comeback attempt.
Crawford’s versatility made him a key figure for the Cowboys this year, and Jones referred to his loss as “crushing, . . . Absolutely crushing.”
The Cowboys will now look to young players behind DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer. The first options may be Kyle Wilber and Ben Bass, though they could also slide defensive tackle Jason Hatcher outside.
Of course, looking for outside help hasn’t been in the plan at many positions for the Cowboys. They haven’t done much of significance in free agency because of their salary cap penalties, and that doesn’t figure to change now.