Dallas Cowboys' projected LB trio: Bruce Carter, Anthony Hitchens, Kyle Wilber

The Dallas Cowboys continue to play linebacker roulette.

It appears that the starting trio will be Bruce Carter, Anthony Hitchens and Kyle Wilber when the wheel stops spinning this week.

Middle linebacker Rolando McClain has not been ruled out of Sunday’s game against the St. Louis Rams, but his status is in doubt due to a groin injury that has prevented him from practicing the last two days. Weakside linebacker Justin Durant has not practiced since suffering a groin strain in the season opener that is likely to sideline him at least two more games.

That’s caused the Cowboys to shuffle the linebackers again. Carter has moved back to the weak side – his position last season and throughout training camp – after starting on the strong side the first two games. Hitchens is manning the middle after filling in for Durant on the weak side last week. Wilber is preparing to start on the strong side after backing up Carter the previous two games.

“They have been working hard,” defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli said. “They had really good couple days of practice. The key thing is they have all been with us since the offseason, so it’s not like somebody coming in new. I trust that.”

Hitchens, a rookie fourth-round pick, would have especially big shoes to fill.

McClain has been the Cowboys’ best defensive player, leading the team with 22 tackles, according to coaches after film review, one sack and one interception.

Hitchens played only nine defensive snaps in last week’s win over the Tennessee Titans because the Cowboys played the nickel package for most of the game. He is also preparing to replace McClain in the nickel Sunday.

“He’s a good football player,” said Hitchens, who has bounced back and forth between the middle and weak side since arriving at Valley Ranch. “Everyone knows that. Next guy in has got to step up and carry the load.”