Mills a Perfect Fix Along Cowboys' Offensive Line

The roster tweaking by NFL teams the week before their season opener is akin to a new couple putting together a punch list for their new home.

In general things are great but, um, there’s that leaky faucet and the hideous wallpaper and the wobbly ceiling fan. Before they close, homeowners want it perfect. And before they open, the Cowboys will try to be as ready as possible.

On their punch list before Sunday night’s debut against the Giants: backup offensive lineman. Enter Jordan Mills.

Last year the Cowboys had the luxury of Jermey Parnell. When Doug Free was injured, he stepped in at right tackle and helped open holes for DeMarco Murray’s record-breaking season. But with Parnell having signed with Jacksonville in free agency, the Cowboys had a hole to fill.

Apparently it’s a void – even after training camp and four pre-season games – they’re not satisfied with.

The plan was for three-year veteran Darrion Weems and third-round draft pick Chaz Green to fight for Parnell’s role behind the NFL’s best offensive line.

But Green injured his hip in the spring and will miss the season’s first six games. Weems started three pre-season games, but the Cowboys aren’t totally sold on him replacing Free or Tyron Smith in the event of a long-term injury. He hasn’t been active for a regular-season game.

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Mills was a fifth-round pick by the Bears in 2013 and has started 29 games at right tackle over his first two seasons. He was waived by Chicago last week after losing favor with new head coach John Fox.

Mills isn’t the shiny new upgrade, but he is a solid, experienced veteran who assures the Cowboys that their leaky faucet is fixed.

A native Texan who was born in Duncanville and graduated from UT-Arlington, Richie Whitt has been a mainstay in the Metroplex media since 1986. He’s held prominent roles on all media platforms including newspaper (Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Dallas Observer), radio (105.3 The Fan) and TV (co-host on TXA 21 and numerous guest appearances, including NBC 5). He lives in McKinney with his wife, Sybil, and two very spoiled dogs.

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