Unfortunately, former Texas Tech offensive lineman, Reshod Fortenberry’s attempt to earn a spot on the Dallas Cowboys’ roster has come to an end due to injury.
On Monday, Fortenberry was carted off the field after suffering what some say appeared to be a knee injury (though no official report has been given) during blocking drills.
The 6-foot-5, 286-pound lineman from Tylertown, Mississippi was a staple of the Texas Tech offensive line for the past two seasons, and started all 25 games in 2013 – 2014 at right tackle.
After transferring to Texas Tech in 2012 from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Fortenberry appeared in only three games due to injury. Therefore, he was granted a fifth year of eligibility by the NCAA.
After going undrafted in the 2015 NFL Draft, Fortenberry was signed to a free-agent contract by the Cowboys. After an impressive performance at the team’s rookie and summer mini-camps, the rookie was invited to Cowboys’ training camp in Oxnard, California.
On May 11, 2015, DallasCowboys.com football analyst Bryan Broadus wrote that the rookie from Texas Tech had impressed him.
"Has some pop in his hands. Is physically a tough player that lacks initial quickness and foot speed…Has upper body power and strength. Can anchor down when he has to deal with a bull rush… Aware to help when he is uncovered. Difficult for him to quickly adjust inside; much better when he can work to the outside. Comes off the ball in the running game. Gets into his man and can get some movement…Sustain can be hit and miss but works hard to try and finish his blocks. Not a pretty player at all but surprises you with how he blocks."
The Cowboys lost backup tackle Jeremy Parnell to the Jacksonville Jaguars via free agency in the off-season, meaning Fortenberry could have been a legitimate threat to earn a backup roster spot. The Cowboys had been working Fortenberry at both guard and tackle allowing him to showcase his versatility.
However, the Cowboys have recently become thin at the linebacker position due to injuries and retirements. Thus, Fortenberry and second-year linebacker Justin Anderson (who was also injured on Monday) were waived so that the team could bring in two healthy players — both linebackers.
Fortenberry’s release now leaves second-year linebacker, Will Smith as the only Red Raider alum on the Dallas Cowboys’ roster.
Wreck ‘Em Red wishes Reshod Fortenberry a speedy recovery and hopes to see him back on the field soon.