IRVING, Texas -- As we ponder the Dallas Cowboys' 46-man roster for the final time in the regular season entering Sunday's game against the Washington Redskins, the final spot could come down to their biggest "name" signing in free agency.
With Josh Brent probable for Sunday's game after missing the last two with a calf injury, Henry Melton's spot on the game day will be under scrutiny.
Since beating the Jacksonville Jaguars in London, Melton has not played more than 34 snaps. Against the Chicago Bears and in the rematch against the Philadelphia Eagles he played 21 and 25 snaps. Last week against the Indianapolis Colts, he played 33 snaps mostly because the Colts had to throw the ball because of a big deficit.
The Redskins don't throw it a ton. Robert Griffin III presents a challenge with the zone read. Alfred Morris has had a lot of success on the ground against the Cowboys.
In order to keep a ninth defensive linemen active for the game, the Cowboys would have to go light somewhere else. The most logical spot would be at wide receiver, but Jason Garrett wants to have rookie Devin Street active in case something were to happen to Dez Bryant or Terrance Williams. Fullback Tyler Clutts could be a choice but the Cowboys don't want to tinker with their running game success.
The Cowboys want to get Brent more work before the playoffs.He has played in just one game since 2012. Given his size and the importance of the run defense in the playoffs, Brent could be a big part of the rotation in the playoffs.
So as we put together the final inactives of the regular season, here is the guess: quarterback Dustin Vaughan, tackle Doug Free, tackle Donald Hawkins, defensive end Kenneth Boatright, safety Jakar Hamilton, linebacker Dekoda Watson and … Melton.
