5 Dallas Cowboys Starters Who Could See the Bench in 2011

Since the NFL lockout has finally ended, the Cowboys have cut more than a few key cogs to their offense from 2010. Gone are offensive linemen Leonard Davis and Marc Colombo, running back Marion Jones, wide receiver Roy Williams and kicker Kris Brown.

Unfortunately for these guys, the only way they’ll see the Cowboys bench is either from the opposing sideline or from the massive jumbotron in the stands. 

While these gentlemen no longer have to worry about being benched, the Cowboys have a few players who are probably looking over their shoulders as training camp starts.

Let’s take a look at five Cowboys starters who may be benched before the end of the 2011 season.

Kyle Kosier, OG

Kosier is teetering on the edge with Dallas. He’s been solid for the ‘Boys, as he’s been a starter with the team since 2006. He’s aided in the progress of offensive tackle Doug Free, and it’s vital to their growth as a unit up front.

But Kosier’s been injured as of late, and if that trek continues for him, he may see more of the bench in 2011. The Cowboys are lacking depth and experience on the offensive line, and Kosier’s consistent play in the past will serve him well.

Still, I wonder how long he’ll last if he’s injured this season.

Keith Brooking, LB

All signs pointed to Brooking being cut leading up to training camp, but as of right now, he’s safe. Brooking became a liability in pass coverage last season, as most saw the emergence of linebacker Sean Lee as a threat to Brooking’s starting job.

But if Brooking gets off to a slow start this season and falters early, then the job should be all Sean Lee’s. He's maturing into his role with the team, and some fans believe he’s ready to take over now due to his performance against the Colts last season when he picked off quarterback Peyton Manning twice.

Brooking should remain alert because if he doesn’t, Lee will take his job.

Anthony Spencer, LB

Spencer had a disappointing 2010 season. He totaled 63 tackles and only five sacks when he was expected to become a pass rushing force.

2011 will make or break Spencer, and if he fails to deliver, then Dallas may choose to rotate linebackers out of his current position instead of using him on a consistent basis.

Anthony needs a huge statistical season, but if not, then not only will Spencer’s days a starter come to end, so may his career in Dallas.

Chris Gronkowski, FB

Gronkowski is probably best known for being the man who missed the block against Giants linebacker Michael Boley, who ended up laying a vicious hit on quarterback Tony Romo that ended his season.

Gronkowski is still learning the job, and by no means is his job safe. Rookie fullback Shaun Chapas is officially a Cowboy, as he signed a four-year deal with the team today.

Chapas will compete for the starting job with Gronkowski, so Chris may not start the season as the starter. But Chris is talented, and if he improves his blitz pick-up, footwork and vision, he may be OK.

Igor Olshansky, DE

Now that defensive end Stephen Bowen has bolted for D.C. to join the Redskins, Olshansky’s importance on the line is that much greater.

Igor totaled one sack behind the line of scrimmage last season, and his numbers overall will need to improve in 2011. The defensive line probably sports a little youth this year, and Olshansky may be the steady hand that guides the group.

But if his paltry 2010 numbers slide to 2011, the leash on Igor may be short, as Dallas needs more production out of the big men up front on defense.