Meet T.J. Bass: The Dallas Cowboys' Rising Star at Backup Center
The Dallas Cowboys are facing the task of securing multiple positions on the offensive line this offseason, including the backup center role. Cooper Beebe is set to start in 2026, but the team learned the importance of having a reliable backup when Beebe was sidelined due to injury last season. With Brock Hoffman departing for the Pittsburgh Steelers in free agency, the Cowboys signed Matt Hennessy to fill the backup center role. However, Hennessy's neck injury and subsequent surgery will keep him out of action for an unknown period, likely starting the season on the physically unable to perform list. This situation has propelled T.J. Bass into the backup center position in Hennessy's absence.
T.J. Bass, an undrafted free-agent signing by the Cowboys in 2023, has been with the team for three seasons and has shown promise as a backup lineman. Despite not having played center in the NFL or college, Bass has received snaps at the position during practice sessions. His performance in run-blocking and pass-blocking has been solid, with Pro Football Focus grades of 65.8 and 62.9, respectively. While Bass has not yet played a regular-season snap at center, he has been a reliable presence for the Cowboys and was a contender for the starting center job in 2024 before Beebe secured the position.
As the Cowboys prepare for the upcoming season, T.J. Bass has stepped into the backup center role in the absence of Matt Hennessy. With Hennessy expected to miss at least the first four games of the season, Bass will have the opportunity to prove himself at center after showcasing his versatility and reliability as a lineman for the team. The Cowboys will rely on Bass to provide depth and support for the offensive line, ensuring that they have a capable backup for Cooper Beebe in the upcoming season.