5 questions facing the Cowboys in training camp

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Even though they had a strong 2014 campaign, it wouldn't be an offseason in Dallas without the Cowboys facing some major questions heading into training camp. Among other things, Jason Garrett's team is still trying to find consistency in the secondary and looking at a potential holdout by its star receiver.

Here are five questions facing the Cowboys heading into training camp:

Can the secondary come together?

Dallas finished 26th against the pass last season and unless first-round pick Byron Jones is ready to step up and make a big contribution right away, it's hard to imagine things improving greatly in 2015. Morris Claiborne has been inconsistent and is coming off a significant knee injury, while Brandon Carr played poorly last year and could still become a cap casualty. Sterling Moore, who had a strong 2014 campaign, left for Tampa in free agency.

If the Cowboys can't find a consistent unit they can rely on every week, Tony Romo and the offense could be forced to score a lot of points this season in order to win games. This group needs to come together and build some confidence in the preseason.

How healthy is Tony Romo's back?

Romo has yet to miss a snap during offseason workouts, which is a big change from recent years. The signal caller hasn't been a part of offseason activities since 2012 because of back issues and the Cowboys will be hoping he maintains his perfect attendance record in 2015 during training camp.

The presence of the 35-year-old this offseason could be a bonus for a handful of young receivers. With Dez Bryant holding out, there is an opportunity for Terrance Williams and Cole Beasley to pick up some extra reps.

Romo's health appears to be a positive, but the Cowboys certainly don't want to overwork him. Dallas's offense is completely different without Romo behind center and that was evident last season, as two of the team's four losses came when he missed time.

Can La'el Collins take the left guard job from Ronald Leary?

Leary didn't play poorly last season by any means, but his hold on the left guard position isn't a sure thing. Collins would have been a sure first-round pick if not for his name being linked to a police investigation prior to the draft. The Cowboys were able to secure him as an undrafted free agent and now Leary will have to fight to hold onto his job.

Dallas could be cautious about inserting Collins into the starting lineup, though. The offensive line was easily the best group in the league last season and making a change would risk tampering with an already solid unit.

In order to keep cohesion among the group, it will likely be Leary's job to lose heading into camp, but a shaky preseason could open the door for Collins.

Who will be the starting running back?

With DeMarco Murray out of the fold, the battle for the starting running back position is wide open. Darren McFadden should have the edge to claim the job, but Joseph Randle and Lance Dunbar are far from out of the running.

McFadden has had difficulty staying healthy over his career and if that trend continues, it will open the door for Randle or Dunbar to step up. Even if McFadden avoids injury, the preseason will be an excellent opportunity for all candidates to prove that they deserve more carries.

The Cowboys no longer have the workhorse they had in Murray, meaning Dallas is likely to split carries among the three and everyone is going to get a chance to emerge as the lead ball carrier at some point during the season. Training camp will simply determine who will get the first shot.

Will Dez Bryant be there?

Bryant has let it be known that he's not happy about not having a long-term deal in place and the receiver skipping training camp could be the least of the Cowboys' problems.

He's indicated that he is considering sitting out Week 1 as well if nothing changes. Dallas can't let that happen. The depth chart is thin behind the Pro Bowler and even though Williams had a strong 2014, much of that had to do with the attention Bryant was occupying on the other side of the field. No Cowboys fan wants to see Williams and Beasley starting out wide.

Bryant's immense talent is unquestioned, but it's his nose for the end zone that makes him irreplaceable. His 41 touchdowns over the last three seasons is production Dallas can't afford to lose. Not even for a week or two.