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5 Biggest Red Flags Heading Into Dallas Cowboys’ 2015 NFL Training Camp

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5 Biggest Red Flags Heading Into Dallas Cowboys’ 2015 NFL Training Camp

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It's still fairly early in the offseason as we have yet to reach training camp, but all 32 teams still have some red flags. For the Dallas Cowboys, those red flags are both on and off the field. Here are five of the biggest heading into training camp.

5. Morris Claiborne's Health

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Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

5. Morris Claiborne's Health

Morris Claiborne Cowboys
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

So far, the reports on Morris Claiborne's rehab have been positive. He's yet to participate in team drills, but seeing him work on the side with coaches is a promising sign. His health is key in figuring out the secondary, specifically in finding a spot for rookie Byron Jones. If Orlando Scandrick, Brandon Carr, Claiborne and Jones are all healthy, Dallas' secondary should be seen as a strength. His return isn't guaranteed, but it's looking good.

4. Replacing Greg Hardy During Suspension

Greg Hardy Carolina Panthers
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4. Replacing Greg Hardy During Suspension

Greg Hardy Carolina Panthers
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The Cowboys brought in Greg Hardy knowing he was likely going to serve some sort of suspension. Unfortunately, he was hit with a 10-game suspension, leaving Dallas without a key starter on defense for a lengthy period of time. Replacing a Pro Bowler isn't easy, but Dallas has the depth to do so with multiple guys. Jeremy Mincey, Randy Gregory and Demarcus Lawrence will ease the loss of Hardy, but all three need to step up in his absence.

3. Darren McFadden's Ability To Stay Healthy

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Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

3. Darren McFadden's Ability To Stay Healthy

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Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

You've heard it before, and I'll say it again: Darren McFadden can't stay on the field. That's why the Cowboys signed him to a very low-risk deal. Even through just three weeks of OTAs, McFadden hasn't worked with the first-team offense consistently and has been working through individual drills on the side. Even if he's not the starter, his ability to stay healthy as a backup is key. It's alarming that he's already missing time in OTAs.

2. Rolando McClain's Absence

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Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

2. Rolando McClain's Absence

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Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Rolando McClain has yet to participate in OTAs, and it's not because of a contract issue like Dez Bryant. He's been back home in Alabama rehabbing from knee surgery thus far and is in question to be ready for training camp. If he's unable to stay healthy -- or dare I say retire again -- the Cowboys will have a gaping hole at middle linebacker. His presence at training camp will assure Dallas he's committed and ready to go.

1. Dez Bryant's Contract Situation

Dez Bryant Dallas Cowboys
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1. Dez Bryant's Contract Situation

Dez Bryant Dallas Cowboys
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The most talked about situation surrounding the Cowboys is the Dez Bryant contract issue. He's made appearances at OTAs, just not in team drills. Priority No. 1 for the Cowboys has to be inking Bryant to a long-term deal and getting the elephant out of the room. The last thing you want is an angry Dez Bryant auditioning for 31 other teams in the 2015 season. He wants to be a Cowboy for life, and Dallas should make it happen.

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