One week into training camp, the competition between incumbent David Buehler and undrafted rookie Dan Bailey has already become an interesting subplot to this hectic, post-lockout start.
So why add a third kicker -- UCLA's Kai Forbath -- to the mix?
Forbath won't be able to push either guy right now. He's expected to start on the Non-Football Injury list (NFI) with a strained quad.
But maybe his presence will keep some tension in the air three days after owner Jerry Jones indicated that Buehler and Bailey could both make the team -- one for place kicks, one for kickoffs.
Jason Garrett wants competition at every position. He said a two-kicker scenario was "premature." He doesn't want anyone getting too comfortable.
Buehler, last year's full-time kicker, certainly isn't assuming anything. He wasn't able to work with Cowboys kicking coach Chris Boniol during the lockout, so he spent part of the offseason kicking with NFL veterans Shayne Graham, Graham Gano and ex-Cowboy Billy Cundiff.
Now he's got two rookies to fend off.
Maybe that's the exact reason Forbath is here, even if he's not ready to kick yet. Now there aren't enough roster spots for all three kickers.
It would be a subtle sign of the environment Garrett's trying to foster as head coach.
