IRVING, Texas – Before the Dallas Cowboys announced Rolando McClain was ruled out of Sunday’s game against the Washington Redskins because of an illness, we pondered whether Henry Melton ’s spot on the 46-man roster was in jeopardy.
Without McClain, the Cowboys can carry a ninth defensive lineman on the game-day roster for the first time this season when they take on the Redskins.
It is the second time a teammate's health might have saved Melton’s spot. He was facing the possibility of being inactive for the Dec. 4 meeting against the Chicago Bears, but Josh Brent suffered a calf injury in practice.
With Brent ready to play Sunday, Melton was in the crosshairs.
While it is still possible the Cowboys will go with eight defensive linemen, there is not another spot to add depth that makes sense. Would they go with an eighth offensive lineman if they want to rest some of the regulars before the playoffs? Would they add a defensive back?
Neither seems likely.
So as we Ponder the Cowboys’ 46-man roster for the final time in the regular season, Melton gets saved.
The guess at the inactives: quarterback Dustin Vaughan, tackle Doug Free, tackle Donald Hawkins, defensive end Kenneth Boatright, safety Jakar Hamilton, linebacker Dekoda Watson and McClain.
