The Dallas Cowboys have played just two games so far in the 2024 NFL Season, and the injuries have already begun to pile up.
The team lost defensive tackle Jordan Phillips for at least four weeks after he was placed on the injured reserve.
Dallas placed Phillips on the IR due to a wrist injury and he will now be forced to miss a minimum of four games, meaning the soonest he could return would be for an October 27 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, according to the Cowboys.
Phillips played in both Cowboys games to begin the 2024 season, collecting just one total tackle during his two appearances.
Although Phillips struggled to begin the 2024 season, he put together a solid campaign during the 2023 season with the Buffalo Bills despite a limited snap count, accumulating 15 total tackles and 2.5 sacks during the year.
Losing Phillips took a defensive line room that was already thin and added another injury, forcing the Cowboys to begin searching for a replacement to take over the 11-year veteran’s responsibilities.
Dallas quickly began evaluating ways to keep the defensive line intact during Phillps’ absence, as the franchise opted to sign defensive tackle Carlos Watkins off the Washington Commanders’ practice squad.
Watkins is rejoining America’s Team after spending the 2023 season with the Arizona Cardinals, picking up seven total tackles and one sack in just two appearances with the Cardinals.
Shortly after finishing the 2023 season, Watkins joined former defensive coordinator Dan Quinn in Washington and was later placed on the team’s practice squad.
Watkins said after his signing that he was “excited to get here and get to work,” noting that it is a good feeling when a team says they want you to come play.
“I appreciate their belief in me, that’s one thing I pride myself on is doing my job and helping guys around me get better. It’s positive for me to hear that feedback that they need me,” he explained, according to The Dallas Morning News.
Dallas will now begin incorporating Watkins into new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer’s scheme in preparation for the team’s Week 3 game against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday at 3:25 p.m. CT.
The Cowboys are looking to come away with a win and potential lead for the NFC East division, while the Ravens are desperate for a win after starting the season 0-2 for the first time since the 2015 season, per the Associated Press.