Cowboys 55-man roster for Week 17: 2 defensive elevations after LB arrested, cut
Despite the Dallas Cowboys’ run defense getting back to normal selves in the club’s Week 16 loss to the Miami Dolphins, the topic of conversation remains at the forefront among the fanbase. Dallas was bludgeoned on the ground for the second time in 2023 the week prior, watching the potent Buffalo offense do whatever they wanted. The previous time was in Week 3’s loss to Arizona.
Despite those efforts, Dallas has fared well against the run all season. Now, the third week in a row against a top rushing team is here as the Detroit Lions invade AT&T Stadium, and the club released a depth linebacker to stir up even more angst.
Rashaan Evans had only played in 79 snaps this season, but cutting him loose sent a bunch of fans and content creators into a tizzy, just a week after they advocated to reduce Micah Parsons’ snaps at edge to have him play more off-ball linebacker. Releasing Evans, despite his not making any meaningful impact since being signed off the street midseason, was another egregious error in roster management. Or at least that’s how some chose to frame it.
Evans was released so the club could activate Matt Waletzko, a second-year OT who had been on IR all season. The team struggled to protect Dak Prescott as Tyron Smith missed his fourth game of the season, and Waletzko can give the club options now and into the playoffs. A few hours later, it was revealed that Evans had been arrested this week, nixing the wringing of hands for a few days.
But now, with the game less than 12 hours away, the club has elevated two players to join the 53-man roster, and one of them is an Evans replacement. The club will bring up Buddy Johnson from the practice squad, along with DT Carl Davis. It will be Johnson’s first action of 2023 and Johnson’s third and final elevation.
Here’s a look at the full roster, before Dallas announces their inactives list ahead of Sunday’s kickoff.
Quarterbacks (3)
Running Backs (4)
Wideouts (6)
Tight Ends (4)
Offensive Tackles (4)
Offensive Guards (4)
Centers (2)
Defensive Ends (4)
Defensive Tackles (5)
Linebacker (4)
Cornerbacks (6)
Safeties (6)
Special Teams (3)
quarterback
3
QB1 | No. 4 Dak Prescott
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott looks to pass during an NFL football team practice Tuesday, June…
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott looks to pass during an NFL football team practice Tuesday, June 8, 2021, in Frisco, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
QB2 | No. 10 Cooper Rush
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush (10) throws against the Denver Broncos during the second half of…
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush (10) throws against the Denver Broncos during the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 13, 2022, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
QB3 | No. 15 Trey Lance
May 14, 2023; Oakland, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance stands on the field…
May 14, 2023; Oakland, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance stands on the field before the game between the Oakland Athletics and the Texas Rangers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
running back
4
RB1 | No. 20 Tony Pollard
Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Pollard (20) runs during an NFL football training camp in Frisco,…
Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Pollard (20) runs during an NFL football training camp in Frisco, Texas, Sunday, Sept. 16, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
RB2 | No. 23 RB Rico Dowdle
Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle (23) runs against the Los Angeles Chargers during the first…
Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle (23) runs against the Los Angeles Chargers during the first half of a preseason NFL football game Saturday, Aug. 20, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
RB3 | Rookie No. 42 Deuce Vaughn
Aug 1, 2023; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Deuce Vaughn (42) makes a catch…
Aug 1, 2023; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Deuce Vaughn (42) makes a catch during training camp at Marriott Residence Inn-River Ridge playing fields. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports
RB4 | Rookie No. 40 Hunter Luepke
Jul 27, 2023; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys fullback Hunter Luepke (43) wears a Guardian helmet…
Jul 27, 2023; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys fullback Hunter Luepke (43) wears a Guardian helmet cap during training camp at Marriott Residence Inn-River Ridge Playing Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
wideout
6
1st Line: WR1 | No. 88 CeeDee Lamb
Aug 21, 2020; Frisco, TX, USA; CeeDee Lamb (88) of the Dallas Cowboys during training camp…
Aug 21, 2020; Frisco, TX, USA; CeeDee Lamb (88) of the Dallas Cowboys during training camp at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. Mandatory credit: Hand out James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys/Handout photo-USA TODAY Sports
1st Line: WR2 | No. 3 Brandin Cooks
Jul 29, 2023; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Brandin Cooks (3) during training camp…
Jul 29, 2023; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Brandin Cooks (3) during training camp at the River Ridge Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
1st Line: WR3 | No. 13 Michael Gallup
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Michael Gallup (23) catches during a drill at NFL football practice in…
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Michael Gallup (23) catches during a drill at NFL football practice in Frisco, Texas, Friday, Aug. 21, 2020. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
2nd Line: WR4 | No. 18 Jalen Tolbert
May 14, 2022; Frisco, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Tolbert (18) goes through drills…
May 14, 2022; Frisco, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Tolbert (18) goes through drills during practice at the Ford Center at the Star Training Facility in Frisco, Texas. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
2nd Line: WR5 | No. 2 KaVontae Turpin
Dallas Cowboys' KaVontae Turpin celebrates as he returns a punt for a touchdown during the first…
Dallas Cowboys' KaVontae Turpin celebrates as he returns a punt for a touchdown during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers Saturday, Aug. 20, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
2nd Line: WR6 | Rookie No. 83 Jalen Brooks
Jul 27, 2023; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys receiver Jalen Brooks (83) carries the ball during…
Jul 27, 2023; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys receiver Jalen Brooks (83) carries the ball during training camp at Marriott Residence Inn-River Ridge Playing Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
tight end
3
1st Line: TE1 | No. 87 Jake Ferguson
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 24: Jake Ferguson #87 of the Dallas Cowboys jumps over Jason Pinnock…
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 24: Jake Ferguson #87 of the Dallas Cowboys jumps over Jason Pinnock #27 of the New York Giants during the second half at AT&T Stadium on November 24, 2022 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
1st Line: TE2 | Rookie No. 86 Luke Schoonmaker
Jul 29, 2023; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys tight end Luke Schoonmaker (86) during training camp…
Jul 29, 2023; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys tight end Luke Schoonmaker (86) during training camp at the River Ridge Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
2nd Line: TE3 | No. 89 Peyton Hendershot
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 24: Peyton Hendershot #89 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates a touchdown during…
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 24: Peyton Hendershot #89 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates a touchdown during the second half in the game against the New York Giants at AT&T Stadium on November 24, 2022 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
OFF LINE
10
off tackle
5
LT1 | No. 77 Tyron Smith
Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Tyron Smith watches play from the bench in the first half of…
Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Tyron Smith watches play from the bench in the first half of an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders in Arlington, Texas, Thursday, Nov. 25, 2021. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
RT1 | No. 78 Terence Steele
Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
LT2 | No. 71 Chuma Edoga
Jul 27, 2023; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys tackle Chuma Odoga (71) during training camp at…
Jul 27, 2023; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys tackle Chuma Odoga (71) during training camp at Marriott Residence Inn-River Ridge Playing Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
LT3 | Rookie No. 76 Asim Richards
Jul 29, 2023; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Asim Richards (76) during training camp…
Jul 29, 2023; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Asim Richards (76) during training camp at the River Ridge Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
off guard
3
LG1 | No. 73 Tyler Smith
Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman Tyler Smith (73) warms up during the NFL football team's rookie minicamp…
Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman Tyler Smith (73) warms up during the NFL football team's rookie minicamp in Frisco, Texas, Friday, May 13, 2022. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
RG1 | No. 70 Zack Martin
Dallas Cowboys guard Zack Martin (70) prior to an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021,…
Dallas Cowboys guard Zack Martin (70) prior to an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
RG2 | Rookie No. 66 T.J. Bass
Aug 1, 2023; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys guard T.J. Bass (66) blocks during training camp…
Aug 1, 2023; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys guard T.J. Bass (66) blocks during training camp at Marriott Residence Inn-River Ridge playing fields. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports
center
2
OC1 | No. 63 Tyler Biadasz
Dallas Cowboys center Tyler Biadasz (63) runs back to the line of scrimmage during an NFL…
Dallas Cowboys center Tyler Biadasz (63) runs back to the line of scrimmage during an NFL football training camp in Frisco, Texas, Sunday, Sept. 23, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
OC2 | No. 67 Brock Hoffman
Aug 12, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys center Brock Hoffman (67) blocks against the Jacksonville…
Aug 12, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys center Brock Hoffman (67) blocks against the Jacksonville Jaguars at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
EDGE
4
LDE1 | No. 90 DeMarcus Lawrence
Dallas Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (90) walks back to the line of scrimmage during an…
Dallas Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (90) walks back to the line of scrimmage during an NFL football training camp in Frisco, Texas, Sunday, Sept. 23, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
RDE1 | No. 92 Dorance Armstrong
Nov 5, 2018; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end Dorance Armstrong (92) in action against…
Nov 5, 2018; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end Dorance Armstrong (92) in action against the Tennessee Titans at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
LDE2 | No. 54 Sam Williams
Dallas Cowboys defensive end (54) Sam Williams goes through drills during the NFL football team's rookie…
Dallas Cowboys defensive end (54) Sam Williams goes through drills during the NFL football team's rookie minicamp in Frisco, Texas, Friday, May 13, 2022. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
RDE2 | No. 56 Dante Fowler
Oct 30, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. (56) reacts after…
Oct 30, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. (56) reacts after making a sack in the third quarter against the Chicago Bears at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
INTERIOR DL
5
DT1 | No. 97 Osa Odighizuwa
Jul 31, 2023; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa (97) during training camp…
Jul 31, 2023; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa (97) during training camp at the Marriott Residence Inn-River Ridge playing fields. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports
NT1 | No. 95 Johnathan Hankins
Jul 29, 2023; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (95) during training camp…
Jul 29, 2023; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (95) during training camp at the River Ridge Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
NT2 | Rookie No. 58 Mazi Smith
Jul 29, 2023; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Mazi Smith (58) wears a Guardian…
Jul 29, 2023; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Mazi Smith (58) wears a Guardian helmet cap during training camp at the River Ridge Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
DT2 | No. 96 Neville Gallimore
Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Neville Gallimore (96) celebrates during an NFL football game against the Washington…
Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Neville Gallimore (96) celebrates during an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team, Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021 in Landover. (AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.)
DT3 | No. 99 Chauncey Golston
Jul 27, 2022; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive ed Chauncey Golston (99) during training camp…
Jul 27, 2022; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive ed Chauncey Golston (99) during training camp at the River Ridge Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
DT | No. 98 Carl Davis
Aug 10, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots defensive tackle Carl Davis Jr. (98) on…
Aug 10, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots defensive tackle Carl Davis Jr. (98) on the sideline during the second half against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
linebacker
3
LB1 | No. 11 Micah Parsons
Dallas Cowboys line backer Micah Parsons (11) lines up for a drill during an NFL football…
Dallas Cowboys line backer Micah Parsons (11) lines up for a drill during an NFL football team practice Tuesday, June 8, 2021, in Frisco, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
LB3 | No. 53 Damone Clark
: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
LB | No. 57 Buddy Johnson
Aug 21, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Buddy Johnson (51) during the third quarter…
Aug 21, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Buddy Johnson (51) during the third quarter against the Detroit Lions at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
LB5 | Rookie No. 91 Tyrus Wheat
Jul 31, 2023; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end Tyrus Wheat (91) during training camp…
Jul 31, 2023; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end Tyrus Wheat (91) during training camp at the Marriott Residence Inn-River Ridge playing fields. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports
cornerback
6
LCB1 | No. 21 Stephon Gilmore
Jul 26, 2023; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Stephon Gilmore (21) answers questions during a…
Jul 26, 2023; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Stephon Gilmore (21) answers questions during a news conference following practice at River Ridge Playing Fields in Oxnard, CA. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
RCB1 | No. 26 DaRon Bland
Jul 27, 2023; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland (26) during training camp at…
Jul 27, 2023; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland (26) during training camp at Marriott Residence Inn-River Ridge Playing Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
NB1 | No. 2 Jourdan Lewis
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 23: Jourdan Lewis #2 of the Dallas Cowboys runs with the ball…
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 23: Jourdan Lewis #2 of the Dallas Cowboys runs with the ball after making an interception against the Detroit Lions during the fourth quarter at AT&T Stadium on October 23, 2022 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)
RCB2 | No. 25 Nahshon Wright
Dallas Cowboys cornerback Nahshon Wright (25) celebrates after recovering a blocked punt in the end zone…
Dallas Cowboys cornerback Nahshon Wright (25) celebrates after recovering a blocked punt in the end zone for a touchdown in the first half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Nov. 14, 2021. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
RCB2 | No. 19 Noah Igbinoghene
Aug 11, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins cornerback Noah Igbinoghene (9) looks on against…
Aug 11, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins cornerback Noah Igbinoghene (9) looks on against the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
LCB3 | Rookie No. 37 Eric Scott, Jr.
Jul 27, 2023; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Eric Scott (37) during training camp at…
Jul 27, 2023; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Eric Scott (37) during training camp at Marriott Residence Inn-River Ridge Playing Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
safety
6
SS1 | No. 6 Donovan Wilson
Dallas Cowboys defensive back Donovan Wilson (6) during an NFL preseason football game against the Arizona…
Dallas Cowboys defensive back Donovan Wilson (6) during an NFL preseason football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Friday, Aug. 13, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
FS1 | No. 28 Malik Hooker
Aug 13, 2021; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Dallas Cowboys safety Malik Hooker (28) prior to the game…
Aug 13, 2021; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Dallas Cowboys safety Malik Hooker (28) prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Billy Hardiman-USA TODAY Sports
RS1 | No. 1 Jayron Kearse
Dallas Cowboys safety Jayron Kearse (27) plays against the Las Vegas Raiders in an NFL football…
Dallas Cowboys safety Jayron Kearse (27) plays against the Las Vegas Raiders in an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Thursday, Nov, 25, 2021. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
SS2 | No. 24 Israel Mukuamu
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 11: Israel Mukuamu #24 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates with fans after…
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 11: Israel Mukuamu #24 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates with fans after intercepting a pass to end the game against the Houston Texans at AT&T Stadium on December 11, 2022 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
RS2 | No. 14 Markquese Bell
Aug 26, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys safety Markquese Bell (41) celebrates making an interception…
Aug 26, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys safety Markquese Bell (41) celebrates making an interception against the Seattle Seahawks in the third quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
FS2 | No. 30 Juanyeh Thomas
Jul 31, 2023; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys safety Juanyeh Thomas (30) hits a blocking sled…
Jul 31, 2023; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys safety Juanyeh Thomas (30) hits a blocking sled during training camp at the Marriott Residence Inn-River Ridge playing fields. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports
specialists
3
K1 | No. 17 Brandon Aubrey
Jul 31, 2023; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys place kicker Brandon Aubrey (1) during training camp…
Jul 31, 2023; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys place kicker Brandon Aubrey (1) during training camp at the Marriott Residence Inn-River Ridge playing fields. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports
P1 | No. 5 Bryan Anger
Jan 8, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles tight end Jason Croom (81) attempts to block…
Jan 8, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles tight end Jason Croom (81) attempts to block the punt of Dallas Cowboys punter Bryan Anger (5) during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
LS1 | No. 44 Trent Seig
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 04: Long snapper Trent Sieg #47 of the Las Vegas Raiders…
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 04: Long snapper Trent Sieg #47 of the Las Vegas Raiders walks off the field after the team's 30-23 loss to the Buffalo Bills in the NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on October 4, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Post a Comment