Jaishawn Barham likely to make Cowboys debut against Cardinals

Aug 1, 2026; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaishawn Barham (55) greets fans at training camp at River Ridge Playing Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Dallas Cowboys are going to get a good look at someone for the first time on Saturday night: Jaishawn Barham.

Brian Schottenheimer said on Thursday that the team is likely going to see Barham make his professional debut on Saturday night. He missed the preseason opener as he has been dealing with a groin injury.

Jaishawn Barham (groin) will likely make his preseason debut for the #Cowboys against the Cardinals.

“it’s nice to have him back.” – Schotty

— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) August 20, 2026

Barham had been having an incredible training camp until the groin injury happened. On some level he was actually generating more hype, discussion, and fanfare than either of the first-round rookies in Caleb Downs and Malachi Lawrence.

Perhaps this is the case because the Cowboys are in such need of linebacker help. A lot of it is natural intrigue given that Dallas drafted Barham with the intent to stand him up and move him back on defense as opposed to utilizing him as a pass rusher. Seeing that start to come together has been exciting.

We will (hopefully) see that in action on Saturday night.