Getty Images

With defensive ends DeMarcus Lawrence and Randy Gregory suspended for the first four games of the season, the Cowboys will need others at the position to step up once September rolls around.

It looks like Ryan Russell will be one of the players given the chance to do more. Russell only played in one game last season after the team made him a fifth-round draft choice, but saw time with the first team during OTAs and defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli said he handled it well while acknowledging things are different when the pads come on.

Coach Jason Garrett is confident that Russell will continue to do well at the next stage.

“Ryan has done a really nice job,” Garrett said, via the Dallas Morning News. “He’s made a lot of strides over the course of this offseason coming out of his rookie year. He’s worked very hard. We do think he has versatility to play on either side and he has ability to rush. Technically, he’s gotten better. Emotionally, he’s gotten better. I think you see that on the field. I’m excited at where his development is.”

Benson Mayowa also seems a good bet to see playing time after the Cowboys signed him away from Oakland as a restricted free agent, but the competition should be a pretty open one once camp opens this month.