Dallas Cowboys shuffle offensive line starters for wild card matchup versus Buccaneers
The Dallas Cowboys are switching up the offensive line for the fifth time this season ahead of the wild card game kickoff in Tampa on Monday. According to Babe Laufenburg, the Cowboys will start Jason Peters at left tackle for the second time this season with rookie Tyler Smith sticking at left guard.
Dallas had this lineup last week but without center Tyler Biadasz as he continued to rehab his high ankle sprain. Biadasz is back now and will start at center versus the Bucs. Conner McGovern, previously at left guard and most recently filling in at center, is now going to act as a full back and as a backup at center and guard.
With Biadasz returning for the wild card matchup, it was expected that Peters would serve as the backup. However, he will instead start, which will mark his seventh postseason appearance. All-Pros Tyron Smith and Zack Martin are still starting at right tackle and right guard, respectively.
According to NFL Network’s Jane Slater, the Cowboys keeping Peters at left tackle could indicate that the offense plans to throw the ball more than run it versus Tampa Bay.
Cowboys activate Johnathan Hankins, elevate Xavier Rhodes
The Dallas Cowboys and Tampa Bay Buccaneers squads both made some critical roster moves ahead of their 8:15 p.m. ET kickoff on Monday. Now activated from injured reserve for the Cowboys is defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins who injured his pectoral muscle with four games left in the regular season.
Hankins practiced with the team this week and is expected to make his return for the wild card game. He told reporters on Wednesday that he felt more than ready to get back on the field.
The Buccaneers also announced the return of a critical piece in the trenches on Monday afternoon. Center Ryan Jensen practiced with the team this week and received his activation to the 52-man roster with just hours to go before kickoff.
He tore his ACL and other ligaments in his knee during training camp, making a rapid recovery. He could play on Monday night, which would help the Bucs since they’ve had to shuffle their offensive line recently. To make room for Jensen on the active roster, the team waived linebacker J.J. Russell.
The Cowboys also announced the elevation of new veteran cornerback Xavier Rhodes. Signed to the practice squad last Saturday, Rhodes could have a role in the secondary this week. The 10-year vet told reporters this week he still has a lot to give to the Dallas defense.
Also elevated from the practice squad, tackle Aviante Collins is also on the Cowboys active roster for the wild card matchup on Monday night.