Kenyon

Coleman

Coleman was a disappointment his first season in Dallas, notching just 36 tackles and one sack in 16 games (15 starts) despite spending the previous two years in DC Rob Ryan’s system in Cleveland. The Cowboys’ official website has also suggested Coleman is a candidate for release. He’s due $1.9 million.

The Cowboys would save $1.9 million by releasing Coleman, and have quality depth in Marcus Spears and third-round pick Tyrone Crawford. Coleman, a career journeyman, appeared in all 16 games last season. Considering the Cowboys’ current cap situation, he won’t be guaranteed a roster spot.

Coleman also missed last week’s game against the Bucs. He went into the offseason on the roster bubble after a disappointing first season in Dallas in 2011 and has responded with just two tackles so far this year. Marcus Spears will likely draw the start in Coleman’s absence.

Coleman went down in the third quarter against the Eagles and didn’t return. “I can lift my arm,” he said. “But I can’t play football.”

The run-stopping specialist has been ruled out for the game. Marcus Spears will come on his replacement.

A Monday MRI brought the bad news. A key component for Dallas’ run defense, Coleman started 5-of-7 appearances in 2012 and recorded 15 tackles (12 solo) to go with a forced fumble. The Cowboys will need Marcus Spears to step up.

A solid run suffer, Coleman will be replaced by Marcus Spears. Five months shy of his 34th birthday, Coleman is headed for unrestricted free agency.

The Saints brought in Ryan to fix their defense, which gave up a league-worst 147.6 yards per game rushing last season. He in turn brought in Coleman, who will play on early downs as a situational run stuffer. Coleman missed nine games while with the Cowboys last season due to a torn triceps.

Brooking has started all but two games the past 10 seasons, but was limited to just one game during the preseason as he dealt with a hamstring injury. However, he is active this evening, and says he expects the Cowboys’ inside linebackers to “split snaps close to even.” Also making a surprise start for the Cowboys is LE Jason Hatcher, who is getting the call over Kenyon Coleman.

A bulky 6-foot-5, 306 pounds, the soon-to-be 34-year-old defensive end projects as a poor fit for new DC Monte Kiffin’s 4-3 scheme. Limited to seven games by a torn triceps last season, Coleman was playing well before going down, and shouldn’t hurt for one-year offers on the open market.