With the Cowboys set to open practice on Sunday, ESPN Dallas takes a look at players fighting to make the 53-man roster and how they may potentially fit on the roster in 2013.
Name: Phillip Tanner
Position: Running back
Contract status: Signed through 2013, restricted free agent
Why he should make it: Behind
DeMarco Murray, the Cowboys are inexperienced at running back and not especially big. Rookie
Joseph Randle is 198 pounds.
Lance Dunbar is a change-of-pace back at 191 pounds. At 217 pounds, Tanner has decent enough size to handle the between-the-tackle runs if necessary. He had a terrific offseason and really ran with more vision and authority than he did in all of 2012. He can also play all of the major special teams units, which is a must for all backup running backs.
Why he should not make it: While he is more experienced than Randle and Dunbar, it's not like he has a ton of experience or carries. He averaged only 2.4 yards a carry last year and caught four passes. If the Cowboys do not feel entirely comfortable with Randle -- who did not see any work in the offseason because of a thumb injury -- and Tanner as every-down backups to Murray, then they could look for a more veteran presence as training camp goes on.
Main competition: Kendial Lawrence.
Chance to make roster: 75%
