As the Dallas Cowboys near the end of their training camp in Oxnard, the team's strengths and weaknesses are becoming clearer, particularly regarding the offensive line depth. While the offense, led by quarterback Dak Prescott and featuring standout wide receivers CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, shows promise, questions remain about the backup positions along the offensive line.
The Cowboys initially intended for veteran Matt Hennessy to serve as the backup center behind starter Cooper Beebe. However, Hennessy was placed on season-ending injured reserve due to a neck injury, creating a gap in the offensive line depth that may prove significant.
In response, the team has turned to veteran T.J. Bass as the primary second-string center, despite his lack of experience at that position. Bass, who has been recognized as the best backup offensive lineman on the roster, previously excelled at guard and has started in 10 games over the past three seasons.
His value was underscored when the Cowboys awarded him a second-round tender worth $5.76 million during the offseason.
During the first preseason game, Bass started at center for two series before being replaced by Nick Leverett, a veteran signed to the practice squad in November and retained with a futures contract in January. Leverett has more experience at guard but has one career start at center from 2024.
Following the preseason game, the Cowboys had Leverett taking second-team snaps at center while Bass returned to playing guard in practice.
