Cowboys interior lineman Brock Hoffman is stepping up to fill a crucial void. With starting center Cooper Beebe out 6-8 weeks due to a severely sprained right ankle, Hoffman will take over at center for the next few weeks. This isn’t Hoffman’s first rodeo – he started seven games last season, including six at right guard when Zack Martin was injured and one at center for Beebe.
Hoffman’s versatility will be a key factor in the Cowboys’ success during Beebe’s absence. He played 17 games last season, lining up at left guard when Tyler Smith was injured. Hoffman’s ability to play multiple positions will allow the Cowboys to maintain their offensive line depth. “I always say, you got to stay ready so you don’t have to get ready,” Hoffman said after Wednesday’s walkthrough practice. “You just treat each and every week like you’re going to be the starter or if you’re not. So when the situation arises, it’s no different.”
The Cowboys are also exploring other options to bolster their interior line depth. T.J. Bass and Hoffman have been active backup interior linemen in the first two weeks, and the team might move Trevor Keegan to the game-day roster. Keegan, a guard, was claimed off waivers from Philadelphia on August 28 but has been inactive the first two weeks. The Cowboys worked out three offensive linemen this week and signed center Wesley French to the practice squad to provide additional depth.
Hoffman feels for his injured teammate, saying, “I obviously feel for Beebe, him getting hurt. We’ve definitely prepared everybody. It sucks. It’s the game of football, right? There’s injuries that happen all the time, right?” He’s ready to do whatever it takes to help the team win, whether that’s playing center, guard, or any other position.
In other news, cornerbacks Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland didn’t participate in Wednesday’s walkthrough due to illness and a foot injury, respectively. Tackle Tyler Guyton and receiver/returner KaVontae Turpin were limited due to shoulder and neck injuries. The Cowboys will look to bounce back from their overtime effort against the Giants, and Hoffman’s versatility will be a key factor in their success.
