IRVING, Texas – The Cowboys aren't ready to write off veteran guard Brian Waters for the season.
Waters suffered a torn triceps in Sunday's game at Detroit. It's an injury that would normally end a player's season.
However, coach Jason Garrett said at his Wednesday press briefing that the Cowboys are exploring every possibility with the hopes that Waters could return and play at the end of the season.
Last year, Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis tore his triceps in mid-October and was able to return for a Super Bowl run.
Keeping a roster spot open for Waters could prove tricky considering the lack of depth on the offensive line.
Mackenzy Bernadeau, whom Waters supplanted when he joined the team just before the season began, is now back in the starting lineup. Waters signed as a free agent after sitting out last season.
"To see that blow, it obviously affects your team, tight end Jason Witten said. "But Mac's started this year in there and obviously last year played the whole season. He's a guy we have a lot of confidence in."
Center Travis Frederick said it won't take long to regain chemistry with Bernadeau since the two played alongside each other in the preseason. However, he will miss Waters' tutoring in the ways of the NFL.
"What he's taught me has been super valuable to me," Frederick said. "The things that he has learned as a veteran, the amount of time that he's spent in the league and those things that he's passed down to me, the little things….It's incredibly valuable to me, especially as a rookie."
Bernadeau started all 16 games last season and the first three this season while Waters reacclimated to playing.
"You hate to lose a veteran player like that, the presence he has on the field, but Mac will jump back in," Witten said. "I think he's eager to get in there and show how he can play."
Follow Keith Whitmire on Twitter: @Keith_Whitmire
