IRVING, Texas -- It was no secret the Dallas Cowboys’ special teams’ play was poor in the preseason. The Cowboys are doing their best to shore it up in time for the regular season.
In the past two days, the Cowboys added Edgar Jones in a trade from the Kansas City Chiefs and picked up Kyle Bosworth off waivers from the New York Giants. They chose to keep six safeties and three appear to have special teams written all over them in Danny McCray, Eric Frampton and rookie Jeff Heath.
Coach Jason Garrett said the team’s intention was to make special teams upgrades after the Cowboys' final cut to 53 players.
“We like them as position players and what they can do for us in a role, but they’ve been very good special teams players for us and for their teams,” Garrett said of Jones and Bosworth. “We’re excited to see them play. Got them integrated into practice this morning and they’re ready to go.”
Because of his background with assistant coach Rich Bisaccia, tight end Dante Rosario was viewed as a core special teams’ player, but he was dealt to Chicago on Monday and had a few miscues in the preseason.
Can the special teams’ units be up to speed for Sunday’s game against the Giants?
Lance Dunbar was expected to be the kick returner, but he has a foot injury that could keep him out. Frampton’s availability is in question because of a calf strain. McCray has missed the last three days of practice with a hamstring strain. Heath has never played in a real game. Jones and Bosworth have to get used to what Bisaccia wants.
“I know I’m very good at special teams and I know I’m a really good backer,” Bosworth said. “Obviously being the first day here I don’t really know they system that well. I know it’s going to take time, but I can be utilized on special teams right away, no problem. And I absolutely have no problem with that, I love it. I’m definitely looking forward to it.”
