The Dallas Cowboys mined the NFC East rival Washington Commanders’ practice squad to pluck a familiar name to plug a glaring hole as injuries take root along the front-seven.

Dallas Cowboys
Dec 11, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy stands on the sidelines during the first half of a game against the Houston Texans at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports

Wednesday, the Cowboys signed Carlos Watkins off Washington’s practice squad, after having to place Jordan Phillips on injured reserve after he re-injured his wrist.Advertisement

Since Phillips is slated to miss at least four weeks, Watkins could wind up playing a vital role along Dallas’ defensive line, beginning as soon as this Sunday when the Cowboys host the 0-2 Baltimore Ravens.

Dallas Cowboys Fans React to Carlos Watkins’ Signing

Carlos Watkins, Dallas Cowboys
Jul 27, 2023; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Carlos Watkins (94) during training camp at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-Arizona Republic

Watkins, 30, returns to Dallas where he spent the 2021 and 2022 campaigns and racked up 58 total tackles with one sack and returned one interception for a touchdown.

The Cowboys are banking on Watkins providing some stability to a run-defense that was absolutely gashed by Alvin Kamara and the New Orleans Saints in Week 2, allowing 190 rushing yards in a blowout loss.

With Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, and a desperate Ravens team looking for its first win, Watkins may be thrust into meaningful snaps immediately.

Here’s how Cowboys fans reacted to the signing: