The Dallas Cowboys are making some low-key moves as they gear up for the remainder of the season, despite any hopes fans may have for blockbuster trades ahead of the Nov. 5 trade deadline. One of the more recent roster adjustments includes the signing of defensive tackle Jalen Dalton, who joins the practice squad after the release of Phil Hoskins. Dalton, 27, has had a journeyman career, spending time with teams like the Chicago Bears, Seattle Sea Dragons, and San Antonio Brahmas.
Injuries are another major concern for the Cowboys, particularly on defense. Micah Parsons, a crucial piece of their defense and a perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate, has been dealing with a high ankle sprain. Though he was initially listed as questionable, his absence is expected for their upcoming game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Without Parsons, the Cowboys defense could struggle, as he is a key factor in their ability to pressure opposing offenses.
Other injury concerns include rookie defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, who suffered a knee injury but avoided the worst-case scenario of a torn ACL. Instead, he has a partially torn meniscus that will require surgery, but the Cowboys expect him to return this season.
Despite these setbacks, the Cowboys have made some additions to their practice squad, including receiver Seth Williams and defensive end Luiki Vilain. However, high-profile names like Denzel Mims and Max Duggan, who were also part of the recent tryouts, were not signed.
Dallas’ offense has also come under scrutiny, particularly after a devastating 47-9 loss to the Detroit Lions. Quarterback Dak Prescott had a rough outing, finishing with just 178 passing yards and two interceptions. Some fans, including outspoken commentator Skip Bayless, have called for the Cowboys to give Trey Lance a shot at quarterback, but that is not an option unless both Prescott and backup Cooper Rush are injured, as Lance is the designated “emergency third QB.”
The Cowboys are now navigating both roster challenges and injury concerns as they look to stay competitive in a season that has already seen its share of highs and lows.
OCT 2 INJURY REPORT Starting corner Caelen Carson (shoulder), who missed last week’s victory against the Giants, has been upgraded to “limited” for the Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers’ Wednesday practice report.
Notable updates regarding the Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers touch on key injuries and players’ performances leading into their upcoming games.
For the Cowboys, running back Dalvin Cook was absent from practice due to an illness. However, he does not appear on the injury report since he is not part of the active 53-man roster. On the Pittsburgh side, important absences from practice include linebacker Nick Herbig, running back Jaylen Warren, and versatile offensive weapon Cordarrelle Patterson.
In other news, Steelers running back Najee Harris stood up for quarterback Justin Fields following the team’s 27-24 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Fields posted decent stats, including 312 passing yards and three total touchdowns, but received criticism for his overall performance. Harris expressed frustration at the constant focus on Fields, emphasizing that football is a team sport and blaming one player is unfair.
Former NFL coach Rex Ryan also stirred controversy by calling Fields’ acquisition one of the greatest trades in NFL history, considering the Bears got him for a sixth-round pick. However, many experts still see Fields as a “prospect” rather than a proven franchise quarterback.
Meanwhile, rookie receiver Roman Wilson, seen as “Hines Ward Jr.,” has struggled to see the field due to injuries, though Steelers coach Mike Tomlin remains hopeful that Wilson will get his opportunity once he’s fully ready to contribute.
Finally, Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert dealt with a high ankle sprain but played through it in their Week 3 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Herbert later exited the game in a protective walking boot, leading to some criticism about whether he should have been playing at all.
Leave a Reply