Cowboys find comfort in having Tyrone Crawford as backup plan at DE
The Dallas Cowboys hope to keep Tyrone Crawford at defensive tackle, but they find comfort in the fact he can play defensive end if necessary. And it might be necessary.
Defensive end Randy Gregory faces a four-game suspension to open the season, while defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence’s four-game suspension is under appeal. The Cowboys are planning on playing the first four games without two of their top defensive ends.
“They’ve asked me and asked me to work with others — just be aware of the possibilities,” Crawford said Friday. “But I’ve been out there before, and I’ve moved along the line a lot. I’m not really stressing it. I know I can play anywhere along the line and do the job. I just want to do the job better than what they think I can.”
Crawford played end as a rookie in 2012 when the Cowboys played a 3-4 scheme. He missed the 2013 season with a torn Achilles tendon and started the first three games of the 2014 season at left defensive end. After that, the Cowboys moved him to the 3-technique tackle, where he has made his past 28 starts.
Defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli calls Crawford “an ace in the hole.” But he wants to see what Jack Crawford, Ryan Russell and free-agent addition Benson Mayowa, among others, can contribute at defensive end before moving Crawford.
QB sleeping well
Owner Jerry Jones lost sleep over missing out on Memphis’ Paxton Lynch last week during the draft. Dak Prescott isn’t.
The former Mississippi State quarterback had no worries about being the fallback option for the Cowboys, who made it very public about their interest in Lynch.
“I’m just going to go out there and prove myself every day on the field, and prove myself everyday in here,” Prescott said. “Just be the player and person that I am. It really doesn’t mean anything to me [that they wanted Lynch]. I’m sure I wasn’t the first one on Mississippi State’s recruiting board when I committed to them.
“But everything works out and happens for a reason.”
Romo improving
Tony Romo is showing promising signs early in the off-season.
Romo, who underwent surgery on his left collarbone in March, is doing everything without limitations so far.
“He’s looking good,” quarterbacks coach Wade Wilson said. “We had two practices where we’ve been out here on the field with the guys and he’s done everything. He’s throwing. He’s got good velocity on all of his throws, great movement in his legs. He looks like he’s re-energized.”
Romo played in only four games last season, fracturing his left collarbone twice. He underwent off-season surgery as a preventive measure.
Romo turned 36 last month and has had multiple back surgeries in recent years, along with his collarbone issues. Romo has taken off Wednesday practices the past couple of seasons, and could have a similar structure next season.
“If he ever gets soreness or anything like that, he’s going to be in charge of his own program,” Wilson said. “If he feels soreness or needs to take a day off because of his back or whatever, he’s monitoring that.”
Briefly
▪ The Cowboys waived defensive back Buddy Jackson, running back Ben Malena and defensive tackle Chris Whaley.
▪ The Cowboys signed 13 undrafted free agents Friday, including UT San Antonio tight end Jason Neill.
Charean Williams: 817-390-7760, @NFLCharean
This story was originally published May 6, 2016 at 6:36 PM with the headline "Cowboys find comfort in having Tyrone Crawford as backup plan at DE."