Dallas Cowboys release unofficial depth chart ahead of season opener

The Dallas Cowboys have released their unofficial depth chart. The Cowboys new-look roster will open the regular season Thursday night against the defending Super Bowl champions Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium.

The Cowboys finished in third place in the NFC East with a 6-10 record in last season. They have missed the playoffs the past two seasons.

Perhaps this season’s roster can turn the tides, as star quarterback Dak Prescott returns from a season-ending ankle injury suffered in Week 5 last year. Before Prescott’s injury, he was among the league’s leaders in most major quarterback statistics, totaling 1,856 yards, nine touchdowns and four interceptions, while completing 68 percent of his passes. If Prescott is ever unable to play, he will be immediately backed up by Cooper Rush, the Cowboys No. 2 quarterback.

Starting quarterback: Dak Prescott

Prescott, returning from injury, has incredibly high expectations heading into the season after a masterful start to 2020 was cut short by injury. Plus, Prescott, one of the league’s best quarterbacks, signed a four-year, $160 million contract this offseason, perhaps only adding to those expectations.

Starting running Back: Ezekiel Elliott

Ezekiel Elliott had a down year last season, rushing for 979 yards and six touchdowns — both career lows, and the only season that comes close is 2017, a year in which he only played ten games due to injury. The bellcow back managed only four yards per carry, down half a yard from the year prior, and was far less effective in the receiving game than usual. He’ll look to pick up where he left off in 2019 this year.

Starting wide receivers: CeeDee Lamb, Amari Cooper, Michael Gallup

CeeDee Lamb figures to be a major component of the offense upon his return, with Amari Cooper also benefitting from the return of Dak Prescott.

Starting tight End: Dalton Schultz

When the Cowboys lost tight end Blake Jarwin in the last year’s season opener to a torn ACL, there were questions about how the position would fair for the rest of the year. Fortunately, Dalton Schultz was ready to step up and fill his shoes. Now he is Dallas’ QB1.

Starting offensive line: Tyron Smith (LT), Connor Williams (LG), Tyler Biadasz (C), Zack Martin (RG), La’el Collins (RT)

Tyron Smith, Tyler Biadasz, Zack Martin, La’el Collins and Connor McGovern should be consistent starters on the Cowboys offensive line.

Starting defensive line: DeMarcus Lawrence (LDE), Osa Odighizuwa (LDT), Carlos Watkins (RDT), Randy Gregory (RDE)

Neville Gallimore will also start the season with an injury, so he’ll be replaced on the active roster after being moved to the injured reserve. All eyes will be on DeMarcus Lawrence, who will look to return to his Pro Bowl ways of 2017 and 2018.

Starting linebackers: Leighton Vander Esch (OLB), Micah Parsons (OLB), Keanu Neal (MLB)

2018 first-round pick Leighton Vander Esch will hope to bounce back after a sub-par season, which seems possible for a 2018 second-team All-Pro. The addition of 12th-overall pick Micah Parsons from Penn State can only help, as Parsons has a legitimate chance to win Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Starting cornerbacks: Anthony Brown (LCB), Trevon Diggs (RCB)

The Cowboys have plenty of depth at cornerback, and second-year Alabama product Trevon Diggs will look to take the next step. He’ll most likely cover the opponents’ top wideouts, but he’ll have plenty of help from his safeties.

Starting safeties: Donovan Wilson (strong safety), Damontae Kazee (starting safety)

Donovan Wilson and Damontae Kazee appear to be back to fill healthy and will hold down the backend for Dallas.

Starting specialists: Greg Zuerlein (PK), Bryan Anger (P)

No surprises here. Greg Zuerlein, a 2017 first-team All-Pro, was sidelined for most of the preseason with a back injury, but he’s being thrust back into action for the Cowboys.