It really doesn’t come as a big surprise, but Jason Garrett has stated that defensive tackle Maliek Collins will start training camp on the PUP list.
Cowboys defensive tackle Maliek Collins will start training camp on the physically unable to perform list, coach Jason Garrett said Monday, via Clarence Hill of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
Collins broke his foot working out earlier this offseason and his rehab time put his return as sometime in August. Given that it’s late July, his placement on the PUP list was pretty much a given. The Cowboys will be in no hurry to rush his return, especially given the depth issues they have at defensive tackle. Collins will likely be slated to man the 1-tech position again this season even though he’s probably more of a 3-tech tackle. David Irving would be the starter at the 3-tech, but he’ll miss the first four games of the season due to a suspension.
Jihad Ward may get a look at the 3-tech if he can impress during training camp. Other guys like Brian Price, Datone Jones, Richard Ash, Antwaun Woods and Lewis Neal will try to put themselves into the defensive tackle rotation while Collins is rehabbing.
Our own Michael Sisemore suggested that Tyrone Crawford might be useful dropping back inside while Irving is serving his suspension. There are a lot of moving parts at the position, but as long as Collins can get healthy, he’ll be one of the starters come the first week of the season.