IRVING, Texas – When it comes to health, Henry Melton says he's ready to play.
When it comes to Thursday's preseason game with the Broncos, Melton says he'd like to play.
But that doesn't exactly mean the defensive tackle will be out there when the Cowboys wrap up the preseason schedule against Denver in a game that will include mostly backups.
While the Cowboys typically hold out all starters for this last game, there could be exceptions with players such as Melton who need some snaps before the start of the regular season.
"Nothing is set in stone yet," Melton said. "I'm going to listen to what they tell me. We'll sit down and talk about it and see if I should get some reps. Or we'll just wait until San Fran."
When asked for his preference to play or not this Thursday, Melton remained on the fence.
"It doesn't really matter to me," he said Tuesday. "Sitting out another week, it might let my knee heal a little bit. But it did set back my conditioning. I might need a little more reps before we get to the game. But we'll see."
Melton battled through a groin injury as well during camp but said both injuries "feel great."
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While he hasn't played in a preseason game yet and might not at all, Melton said facing a Cowboys' offensive line that includes three first-round picks in Tyron Smith, Travis Frederick and now Zack Martin, has helped prepare as well as he could've hoped.
"I'm getting lot of reps in practice," Melton said. "We have one of the best O-lines in the league. Working against them is only making me better and getting me ready."
The Cowboys have missed Melton in the middle of the defense during the preseason games. Rookie defensive tackle Davon Coleman has started inside at the 3-technique spot, where Melton is projected to start.
Melton, the only player on the Cowboys' defense who has made the Pro Bowl, had his best seasons in Chicago where he played for defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli.
