Montrae

Holland

Starting LG Bill Nagy is done for the year, and veteran Derrick Dockery is still getting over a knee injury. Holland is familiar with Alex Gibbs’ scheme and could slide right in if he’s in game shape.

Holland’s status for Sunday night’s showdown with the Giants is in serious doubt. If he can’t go, the Cowboys would be forced to turn to undrafted rookie Kevin Kowalski or declining veteran Derrick Dockery. It’s a downgrade for the Cowboys’ offense.

It wasn’t a given that Holland’s season was over since he’s only dealing with a partial tear, but the Cowboys have opted to play things safe. Derrick Dockery will get the start in Sunday’s winner-take-all tilt with the Giants. After making just two starts in 2010, Holland turned in an exceptional 2011 campaign after re-joining the Cowboys in mid-October, grading out as Pro Football Focus’ fifth best left guard. He’ll turn 32 in May.

He’s expected to be sidelined 3-4 months, which would put him on track to return for OTAs and training camp. Though he was released in favor of Bill Nagy in September, Holland severely outplayed the rookie from mid-October on.

The team is looking for veteran depth on the interior with guards Mackenzy Bernadeau (hip), Bill Nagy (ankle) and Kevin Kowalski (ankle) sidelined. Holland and Dockery both spent time with the Cowboys last year.

Holland was released at final cuts and then re-signed last week after injuries to Bill Nagy and Derrick Dockery. Now he’s back in game shape and has his weight down to reasonable levels. There shouldn’t be much of a dropoff.

The 31-year-old was “in shape, quick, and remembered everything” while paving the way for DeMarco Murray’s breakout game. He’s an upgrade on rookie Bill Nagy, who struggled as a run blocker before a season-ending ankle injury.

Procter, a backup interior lineman, signed his non-guaranteed restricted free agent tender last month so that he could be trade bait during draft weekend. But the Cowboys found no takers, so they let him go. Montrae Holland and Travis Bright are candidates to back up Andre Gurode at center now.

Holland, a 322-pound former Saint, signed a one-year, $1 million deal in the offseason, but looks to have a good chance at winning the Broncos’ starting right guard job. He’s competing with second-year pro Chris Kuper.