Phil

Costa

It’s bad news for an extremely thin Cowboys’ offensive line. Costa was given a 2-to-4 week timetable for his preseason injury, so it’s highly unlikely he’ll be active against the Redskins next Monday. Undrafted rookie Kevin Kowalski filled in at center on Sunday, and should get the call in Week 3 if Costa is indeed out.

Dallas avoids starting undrafted rookie Kevin Kowalski, which is big news since they’re already starting seventh-round rookie and liability Bill Nagy at LG. Regardless, the Cowboys’ backfield projects to be a mess with Felix Jones expected to play, yet one hit away from an in-game injury.

After replacing Pro Bowler Andre Gurode, Costa rated as the 30th-best center in the league, according to Pro Football Focus. Second-year OGs Bill Nagy and David Arkin could slide over. The Cowboys haven’t ruled out drafting a center, either.

Costa’s night is through. He’s been replaced at center by undrafted free agent Kevin Kowalski. It’s good news for an injury-depleted Giants’ defensive line.

Costa struggled with a back injury in preseason. He was replaced by Ryan Cook. Costa is hardly a Pro Bowler, but it’s more reason to be concerned with Dallas’ interior offensive line. It’s not getting better anytime soon.

The compensation is expected to be a seventh-rounder. The Dolphins will shed Cook’s $1 million salary while handing the backup job to undrafted rookie Josh Samuda. Cook started 40 games over six seasons with the Vikings before joining Miami. The desperate Cowboys will count on Cook as insurance for shaky starter Phil Costa.

Costa has been “day to day” for nearly two weeks, but did suit up against the Chargers last weekend. It will be a major issue for the Cowboys if Costa isn’t ready for Week 1, as backup David Arkin has struggled mightily with his snaps.

Costa’s troublesome back kept him out of Saturday’s game against St. Louis, but he appears on track for tuneup prior to the team’s Week 1 affair with the Giants.

Uh oh. It’s a concern for the Cowboys, as neither G/C Bill Nagy (high-ankle sprain) nor C Kevin Kowalski (undisclosed) is expected to be ready for Week 1, but coach Jason Garrett doesn’t believe the injury is serious. The Cowboys have just G David Arkin behind their starting center, whom they originally wanted to push in camp. Even team-approved beat writer Josh Ellis believes the Cowboys should have signed a veteran center “last week.”

The injury isn’t a high-level concern, but Costa is questionable for Monday’s preseason game. The Cowboys lack quality offensive line depth with Bill Nagy (high-ankle sprain) and Kevin Kowalski (undisclosed) out indefinitely.