Brian Schottenheimer All But Confirms 53-Man Roster Decision on Safety & Special Teams Ace

Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer has basically revealed the player who is likely to grab what could be the final spot at safety.

Dallas Cowboys safety Markquese Bell (41) hits a blocking sled during training camp at the Marriott Residence Inn-River Ridge playing fields. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

On Monday, Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer spoke at length about how important the ability to play on special teams is for the guys trying to grab the last nine or so spots on the 53-man roster.

And, in the process of talking about that, Schottenheimer all but confirmed that safety Markquese Bell is going to make the 53-man roster when cutdown day falls on Sunday, Aug. 30.

Schottenheimer revealed that he views Bell as one of the team's best special teams players and noted how that is going to help Bell's cause to make the cut.

"The easy answer is special teams," Schotty said when asked about how bubble players can stand out to make the roster. "When you get into roster spot 45 through 53, those are usually guys that are not starters or premium players that they play every snap or the majority of snaps, so you have to find guys that have the versatility to play special teams."

"I'll speak to this young, Markquese Bell," Schottenheimer added. "Markquese Bell is one of our most trusted leaders on the special teams. He's a really good football player. He's a good defensive player. I think he's a great special teams player."

The Cowboys have an added emphasis on special teams this year after they played poorly in that area last season.

We saw some major struggles on special teams for the Cowboys in the first preseason game, but things were better in preseason Week 2.

Was Markquese Bell's roster spot ever in question?

Dallas Cowboys safety Markquese Bell (14) goes through a drill during practice at the Ford Center at the Star Training Facility in Frisco, Texas. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Despite Bell having played a good amount of snaps on defense and special teams over his career and being on the second year of a three-year contract, he wasn't exactly considered locked in, and for a few reasons.

For starters, the Cowboys overhauled their safeties room with the additions of Jalen Thompson, P.J. Locke and Caleb Downs, which made things tight for bubble players. And, we've also seen guys like Alijah Clark and Julius Wood play well in practice and in the preseason.

Another potential issue for Bell was his legal trouble.

Bell was arrested on drug charges back in April, including a felony count of possession of a controlled substance. However, it looks like, based on court records, that the case was closed shortly thereafter.

Good news for Bell, bad news for others

Dallas Cowboys specialist Julius Wood (32) reacts to a special teams play during the first half against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

If Bell is indeed locked in, all spots at safety could be spoken for with Malik Hooker, Thompson, Locke and Downs set to make the cut.

That's terrible news for Clark and Wood, both of whom will now have to hope the Cowboys keep six. If not, at least one of them could land on the practice squad, assuming they clear waivers.

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