As the Dallas Cowboys near the end of their training camp in Oxnard, the team is assessing its offensive line depth, particularly the backup center role. With quarterback Dak Prescott leading a promising offense that includes wide receivers CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, the focus has shifted to ensuring adequate support behind the starters.
Veteran Matt Hennessy was initially expected to serve as the backup center, but a neck injury has placed him on season-ending injured reserve. This has prompted the Cowboys to consider T.J. Bass as the primary candidate for the backup center position.
Although Bass has primarily played guard and has started in 10 games over the past three seasons, the team recognized his potential by offering him a second-round tender worth $5.76 million this offseason.
In the first preseason game, Bass started at center for two series before being replaced by Nick Leverett, who has more experience at guard but has only one career start at center. Following the game, Leverett was seen working as the backup center, suggesting the Cowboys are weighing his candidacy for the position.
The Cowboys are keen to finalize their backup center plans in the coming weeks, especially given starter Cooper Beebe's injury history. With Brock Hoffman having left in free agency, the need for a dependable backup center remains critical, making the evaluation of both Bass and Leverett essential for the team's success.
