Dallas Cowboys fans were disappointed that Mazi Smith made the 53-man roster, but that boiled down to the team's weak defensive tackle group more than Smith actually earning a spot. If Smith wasn't a first-round pick, odds are he would've been sent packing.
Just because Smith made the roster, though, didn't mean he won a role in the DT rotation. That was confirmed Thursday night, as Smith was listed among the Cowboys' Week 1 inactives.
It's a slightly surprising decision, if only because summer standout Perrion Winfrey was already ruled out with a back injury. With Smith and Winfrey on ice, Cowboys fans can expect to see rookie seventh-round pick Jay Toia feature in the game behind Osa Odighizuwa, Kenny Clark and Solomon Thomas.
Cowboys' Week 1 inactives: Mazi Smith a healthy scratch after quiet summer
Here's a full look at Dallas' inactives:
Player Injury
Mazi Smith -
Jaydon Blue -
Ajani Cornelius -
Shemar Smith -
Hakeem Adeniji -
Trevon Keegan -
Perrion Winfrey Back
Jaydon Blue is another disappointing inclusion. The rookie out of Texas picked up another foot injury in the second week of preseason, but he didn't carry an injury designation in practice this week. That seemed to suggest he'd make his NFL debut against the Eagles.
It's possible he is still recovering or the Cowboys are being cautious with him. Either way, his absence means the running game will lack any semblance of firepower with Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders handling the bulk of the carries.
The Cowboys activated wide receiver Ryan Flournoy and linebacker Buddy Johnson for the game. They figure to feature heavily on special teams.
While Blue's absence is a major letdown, Smith being a healthy scratch to open the year - with Winfrey out - proves he will have to play his way into the rotation. Brian Schottenheimer stressed all summer that players will have to earn their role. He deserves credit for sticking to that.
Even if the Cowboys' run defense struggles on Thursday, Smith wasn't going to make a difference whether he was on the field or not.
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