Mackenzy Bernadeau made his training camp debut on Tuesday after missing the first week of practices while recovering from offseason hip surgery, and though his natural position is guard, Bernadeau’s return could also mean some much-needed competition for the starting center job.
Through the opening week of camp, the 2011 starter, Phil Costa, didn’t really have any competition to speak of; Bill Nagy and Kevin Kowalski, the two men who would have challenged Costa for the starting job, were sidelined with ankle issues, and now it appears that they will be on the shelf until the regular season.
Bernadeau, who signed a four-year deal with the Cowboys as a free agent, has never played an official snap as a center in the NFL, but he was the Panthers’ backup center in each of the last four seasons and believes he can play the position if need be; a positive sign, where creating a competitive atmosphere in camp is concerned.
“I’m familiar with the position,” Bernadeau said, per the ESPN Dallas. “It’s something I can do. I know I can do it. I’ve played it. I’m confident at center.”
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