IRVING – The roster has to be down to 75 by 4 p.m. Monday, but the Cowboys will not have to make a move.
Safety Justin Beriault is expected to be placed on the reserve/retired list by Monday, putting the roster at the maximum.
The Cowboys still have job openings for the Sept. 10 season opener at Jacksonville. Right tackle remains a three-man race among Marc Colombo, Jason Fabini and Rob Petitti. Free safety is between Keith Davis and rookie Patrick Watkins.
Saturday's game was also for other players coach Bill Parcells will count on against the Jaguars to solidify their spots.
MARC COLOMBO
Colombo got his second start of the preseason at right tackle and may have cemented his spot for the season opener.
On the first drive, he had a good slip block on linebacker Corey Smith on a 34-yard screen pass to Marion Barber and did a nice job on a cut block on a fourth-down conversion. On the second drive, he stoned linebacker Derek Smith on an 8-yard pickup, and on the third drive, he helped give Drew Bledsoe time to complete a 52-yard pass to Terry Glenn.
JULIUS JONES/MARION BARBER
If there was an offensive issue in the first two preseason games, it was the running game.
Jones, who entered Saturday with 43 yards on 20 carries, looked quick early on his first run – sprinting to his right for 8 yards. He finished with 15 carries for 56 yards. Perhaps more pleasing to the coaches was his pass protection on Bledsoe's touchdown throw to Glenn.
Barber was impressive, picking up 49 yards on nine carries. He ran through tackles and over defenders – and also had a 34-yard reception.
ANTHONY HENRY
Although Roy Williams and Terence Newman garner most of the attention in the Cowboys' secondary, Henry is just as important. When he was healthy last year, he played at a Pro Bowl level. But a groin injury slowed him in the second half.
On Saturday, he had the defense's first interception – using perfect technique on a deep ball to Antonio Bryant. Running stride for stride with Bryant, Henry guided him to the sideline – giving the cornerback the angle for the interception.
SKYLER GREEN
It was a poor day for Green, mostly because Jamaica Rector – one of his primary competitors for a roster spot – had a strong performance with a team-high seven catches for 80 yards and a 10-yard punt return. Green had one 19-yard kickoff return and was tackled for no gain after fielding a punt inside the 5.
PAT McQUISTAN
He appeared to do solid job in the first half at left tackle. The Cowboys rushed 25 times for 109 yards, a 4.4 average, and totaled 309 yards in the first half. McQuistan continues to impress and make a push for a roster spot – because if he is released, it's going to be difficult to get him through waivers.
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