Loading ...Free to start at right tackle…11/18/2009
Free filling in for injured Colombo
By Tim MacMahon, ESPNDallas.com
IRVING, Texas — The decision has been made regarding Marc Colombo’s replacement at right tackle. It’s Doug Free’s job, according to Dallas Cowboys offensive line coach Hudson Houck.
The coaching staff considered moving Pro Bowl right guard Leonard Davis over a spot and replacing him with Montrae Holland or Cory Procter. They decided to go with Free, who had minimal regular season experience before filling in after Colombo suffered potential season-ending ankle and leg injuries in the first quarter of last week’s loss to the Green Bay Packers.
The 6-foot-6, 313-pound Free, a fourth-round pick in 2007, will make the first start of his career Sunday against the Washington Redskins.
“The exciting part of it is you’ve got another guy ready to go,” Houck said. “He steps in. He got his turn. And we don’t miss a beat.”
Colombo hasn’t missed a game since he became a starter at the beginning of the 2006 season. He’s a mauler with a nasty disposition who was voted by his teammates as the Cowboys’ offensive MVP for the 2008 season.
“Marc Colombo has been a heck of a player for us — not only a good player on the field, but a great leader,” offensive coordinator Jason Garrett said. “Everybody on our team responds to him and how he approaches the game. We certainly will miss him, but we’re excited about Doug Free.
“He’s been with us for three years now and really taken the right approach. He’s improved as a player. We’re excited about what he did the other day in the game against Green Bay and we’re excited to see him play this week.”
