In most seasons, the Cowboys are like most teams when it comes to the third preseason game. They have tried to use the game as the final tune-up, or dress rehearsal for the start of the regular season.

In a normal season the game is played about 15-16 days before the start of the regular season.

This season, Saturday’s third preseason game against the Rams at Cowboys Stadium will occur just 11 days before the Sept. 5 in opener with the Giants, with a fourth preseason game (Aug. 29 vs. Miami) also sandwiched in there.

“It’s a little different format than we’ve had in the past,” coach Jason Garrett said. “But we’re going to try to play the starters a little longer this time. It might have to be an individual thing.”

Tony Romo might get a little more than the 8-12 snaps he received in each of the first two games, but center David Arkin, who is still learning the position, could get three quarters or more. 

Injuries have kept several keys starters out of games, but Saturday could be the first time for vets such as Jason Hatcher (hamstring), Jay Ratliff (foot) and Anthony Spencer (hamstring).

Kemp to IR: Rookie WR Donavon Kemp was one of the three receivers to get injured against the Chargers on Monday. But unlike Dez Bryant (knee) and Andre Holmes (back), who were both listed as day-to-day with their injuries, Kemp’s was much more serious. He suffered a torn ACL in his left knee and will undergo surgery. Kemp will likely be released Monday when the Cowboys cut down to 75 and he will revert to Injured Reserve. 

Roster down to 87: The Cowboys are slowly making their way towards the 75-player roster limit on Monday. By cutting LB Isaiah Greenhouse, who hasn’t practiced much in the last two weeks with a hand injury, the Cowboys are now at 87 players on the roster. They also will move Kemp and rookie LB Caleb McSurdy (torn Achilles) to IR, meaning only about 10 active players will be cut. The Cowboys will play their final preseason game against Miami on Wed. Aug. 29., just four days after Saturday’s game with the Rams.

For more Cowboys information follow Nick Eatman on Twitter @CBSSportsNFLDAL.