Shortly after the lockout came to an end, many around the league wondered if the shortened offseason would result in a change in the way teams approach preseason games--whether they’d play starters more, to expedite the preparation process or play them less to safeguard against injury.
According to Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett, though, fans watching the team’s preseason opener will see pretty much the same approach as always, to the first exhibition of any given year, strike or no strike.
Which is to say, the starters will play for a series or two before hitting an early shower.
“The starters will play similar to what they’ve done in similar preseasons,” Garrett said, per ESPN Dallas. “We don’t put a particular play number on it or drive number on it, but we’d like to get the first units out there and have a good couple first drives, play eight, 10, 12, whatever it is kind of plays where we feel good about it, then get the second guys in there and see them work.”
Garrett went on to say that, though this is the rule, there will be exceptions. Rookie offensive tackle Tyron Smith, for example, will likely remain in the game when the second team comes in, despite his status as a starter. Ditto for rookie guard David Arkin, who will start Thursday in place of the injured Montrae Holland.
“It’ll be on an individual basis,” Garrett said, “but we anticipate them playing a little bit more.”
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