FRISCO, Texas – The Cowboys are back in action for another week of OTA practices. Just before he took the field on the Wednesday for the fifth of nine of these teaching sessions, head coach Jason Garrett met with the media to discuss various topics surrounding the team.
Here are some of the highlights:
- Second-year guard Connor Williams was seen practicing at left tackle in OTA practices last week, mainly because of necessity. The Cowboys had several tackles held out due to injury/rest last week, forcing Williams out to a spot he played in college at Texas. While Garrett said he expects Cameron Fleming back for practices this week, he didn't rule out Williams getting more snaps at tackle. "He played it in college as you know," Garrett said. "We were light on tackles. That was an option for us. We think he's best-suited to play guard. But he'll get some chances (to play tackle). We anticipate giving him more opportunities to do that."
- Garrett also said Williams has added about 15 pounds this offseason. "He was a young player when we drafted him. We knew he would grow more as he went. He looks good. He's moving well. He has continued that growth in the offseason."
- Speaking of guards named Connor and their physique, Garrett said rookie guard Connor McGovern has a head start on some of the other rookie linemen. "Physically he looks like he belongs. He certainly looks the part. He'll grow and develop as well."
- Safety Kavon Frazier will miss the next couple of weeks, perhaps all of the offseason practices after getting a scope on his knee. The minor surgery should have him ready for the start of training camp in late July, but getting him back for even the three-day minicamp in mid-June might be a stretch. Frazier is one of the Cowboys' best special teams players and gives the team depth at the safety spot.
- Garrett also said cornerback Chido Awuzie will miss this week of practice due to a hamstring injury.
- Rookie running back Mike Weber is showing no setbacks from a minor knee injury that required an MRI and kept him out of a practice three weeks ago. Garrett said is gaining confidence with each day.
- Pro Bowl linebacker Leighton Vander Esch is "getting better and better" with his pelvic injury but will not do much this week, the head coach said.
- Wide receiver Randall Cobb has impressed the coaching staff, Garrett included, on his professionalism and his desire to pick up the offense. The longtime Packers receiver is getting adjusted to the new system. Garrett said Cobb seems to be his toughest critic. "You ask him (about his practice) and he lists off his five mistakes that he made. To him that was a terrible day of practice. But he comes back to get it corrected each day. He's got a great spirit about him. He's a real pro."
