he played well enough in the preseason to force the team to make the unusual of move of keeping four tight ends. as a rookie, he was declared inactive for 12 games, while playing in 4 contests. he had one start against the new england patriots, when he replaced an injured james hanna and the cowboys opened in a three-tight end set. the season-ending injury to gavin escobar, gave him a chance to play in the last 2 games and record one reception for no yards.