IRVING, Texas – What has gone from a contingency plan to a probable occurrence, Mackenzy Bernadeau is expected to start Sunday's game at center against the Browns.
The starting right guard for every game this season, Bernadeau will likely slide to center and replace Ryan Cook, who hasn't practiced all week with a knee injury. Cook was listed as "doubtful" to play against Cleveland.
Starting at right guard will be Derrick Dockery, a veteran who practiced there all week.
But guard will be nothing new for Dockery. That's not the case for Bernadeau, who has never taken a snap at center in a game, but did get some preseason work at center during his four years with Carolina.
"I think I've gotten better every day in practice. I'm getting better so I am ready," Bernadeau said. "I've played before in the past years … even though I haven't played in a regular season game, I'm comfortable at the position and comfortable with the guys I'm playing around. And I'm familiar with the system calls."
Bernadeau said the technique is the biggest adjustment to make, over the snaps and line calls.
"It's a lot different because you go from a three-point stance with your hand down," he said. "It's something I adjust to pretty well. The snaps were good because I'm used to snapping in the past. The toughest adjustment was really the technique. Line calls aren't that bad. As a guard, I knew the calls and prepared to play center if anything every happened. The calls are the same at guard as they are at center."
Never Say Never
A late outburst of defensive and special teams touchdowns in a 38-23 victory Sunday against the Eagles earned the Cowboys the Week 10 GMC Never Say Never Moment Of The Week.
The moment of the week is honored for the best moment or play of the week that represents determination and perseverance. "Cowboys Save Season" earned the best moment for games played on Nov. 8-12.
The Cowboys and Eagles were both 3-5 entering the game. The winner would still have a chance in the NFC East, while the loser's playoff chances would practically disappear.
Quarterback Tony Romo threw two touchdown passes and no interceptions in the victory, which put the Cowboys in prime position to make a move in the division with five of their final seven regular season games at home.
"Cowboys Save Season" was selected by voters on NFL.com/gmc ahead of Rams' receiver Danny Amendola's dramatic return and the Saints' snapping the Falcons' hopes for an undefeated season. Fans will have an opportunity to choose between the 17 weekly winners for the Never Say Never Moment of The Year after the regular season.
- Rowan Kavner
