Coaches talk about line changes

August, 15, 2011
8/15/11
6:12
PM CT
ARLINGTON -- Over the last two days, the offensive and defensive lines have received changes.

The defensive line saw Kenyon Coleman move from second team end to first team. It meant Igor Olshansky was dropped to the second team.

However, defensive line coach Brian Baker said the move was made to give Olshansky some work as the left defensive end. He normally is the right defensive end.

"Who starts?" Baker asked after Monday's afternoon practice. "I have six starters. All are in the same room and they have the same goals."

For the record, Baker plans to move all the defensive linemen around, with the exception of Josh Brent, who will play nose tackle. In some formations, the Cowboys have just one down lineman paired with numerous linebackers. Jay Ratliff or Olshansky have played that spot.

Even that could change.

The offensive line made some changes, too.

Fourth-round pick David Arkin is seeing some time at left guard with Kyle Kosier moved to the right side so rookie tackle Tyron Smith can have a veteran presence with him.

Phil Costa can also play one of the guard spots and starting center Andre Gurode said he would switch positions if asked.

"If you're going to play the five best guys you got to move them around a little bit so they can get comfortable at other positions," offensive line coach Hudson Houck said. "You need the options. These young guys coming in have to be able to play not only at right tackle, but left tackle, and the guards, of course, having to play either side. The center has to play guard. When you go into a game you're going in with seven offensive linemen."
Calvin Watkins joined ESPNDallas.com in September 2009. He's covered the Cowboys since 2006 and also has covered colleges, boxing and high school sports.

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