The Dallas Cowboys’ defense was dealt a major blow Thursday when it was announced defensive end Robert Quinn would be suspended two games for violating the NFL’s PED policy, testing positive for a masking agent. Even if it is a bogus suspension, Quinn now stands with a long line of Cowboys suspended for the start of a season in recent years.

Quinn is also dealing with a fractured hand which required surgery and there was no guarantee he was going to be ready for Week 1. Now, the Cowboys will definitely be down a starting defensive end when they open the season against the New York Giants.

The defense will miss having the veteran edge rusher on the field, but it’s an opportunity for other defensive ends to step up and prove their worth. Here are some of the players who could benefit from Quinn’s absence.

Trysten Hill

No, Hill isn’t an edge defender, but follow the train of thought. For years, Dallas has deployed defensive lineman Tyrone Crawford wherever he is needed. Crawford is a great line penetrator, but he also has edge abilities.

With Quinn out, there’s a high likelihood that Crawford is asked to take a bunch of snaps at right defensive end, limiting his ability to be the first backup off the bench for the under tackle position. Even as a second-round pick, Hill was likely going to be third in that rotation behind starter Maliek Collins.

Now, he could get the chance to shine brighter, earlier in the season.

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