Dallas Cowboys: Promoted Veteran Pass Rusher to Active Roster Ahead of Week 6!

The Dallas Cowboys front office had a busy day on Wednesday. In response to their injury-depleted defense, the Cowboys made a flurry of roster moves, addressing their defensive line and secondary. We will focus on the roster moves they made regarding the defensive end position.

The Dallas Cowboys placed a promising rookie on injured reserve

Dallas Cowboys, Marshawn Kneeland — Aug 24, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland (94) walks off the field after the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

As previously discussed on Gridiron Heroics, the Cowboys placed Marshawn Kneeland on injured reserve. Kneeland was carted off after suffering a non-contact knee injury in the first quarter of last week’s game. An MRI determined that he suffered a partial meniscus tear, which required surgery. He will miss around 4-to-6 weeks.

Concerned with their defensive end depth, the team promoted a veteran EDGE rusher.

The Dallas Cowboys promoted an EDGE rusher with 27.5 sacks

dallas cowboys, carl lawson — Oct 6, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) throws a touchdown pass to tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) in front of Dallas Cowboys defensive end Carl Lawson (55) during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

On X, the Cowboys announced they promoted Carl Lawson to the active roster. The Cowboys promoted Lawson to the active roster because they had already elevated him three times, the maximum number of times a team can elevate a player from the practice squad to the active roster for gameday. If they elevated him for the fourth time, he would be required to sign to the active roster, and they did just that.

A look at the Dallas Cowboys defensive end depth

Dallas Cowboys, Chauncey Golston — October 8, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end Chauncey Golston (99) after the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The Cowboys have five defensive ends on their active roster, but their star EDGE rusher, Micah Parsons, is hurt, and it’s unclear if he’ll play in Week 6. Their depth outside Parsons consists of a 3rd-round pick from the 2021 NFL Draft, Chauncey Golston, an undrafted free agent from the 2023 NFL Draft, Tyrus Wheat, veteran Carl Lawson, and Washington Commanders’ 5th-round pick from the 2023 NFL Draft, KJ Henry.

Lawson brings stability to the Cowboys’ injury-depleted and inexperienced defensive end room.