Cowboys Roster Shell-Game Continues

Twenty-four hours is how long an injured player must be on the roster before going on injured reserve while still being eligible for a return to play in the current season. Now that the required time limit has passed, the Dallas Cowboys will continue to shuffle the roster by placing players on IR to make room for healthy players, some of whom were just released by the team on Tuesday.  

The Cowboys placed six players on IR Thursday, opening up roster space to bring back several players who were on the Covid list and are now ready to return. The players who are being placed on IR will be available to return to the team in three weeks.  

None of the players going on IR represent a surprise for fans. The players are Cornerback Kelvin Joseph (groin), Offensive Tackle Josh Ball (ankle), Wide Receiver Malik Turner (foot), Defensive Tackle Neville Gallimore (elbow), Tight End Sean McKeon (ankle), and Linebacker Francis Bernard (hamstring). 

The Cowboys were able to reactivate WR CeeDee Lamb, DT Carlos Watkins, and S Demontae Kazee who have been on the Covid-19 protocol list for the last several weeks. Players placed on the Covid list do not count toward the 53-man roster, making for a convenient way for teams to stash players away during training camp while evaluating new talent.  

Two players remain on the Covid list and Defensive Coordinator Dan Quinn, also on protocol for Covid after testing positive before the game against Houston, have yet to return. Noah Brown, considered an outsider to make the 53-man roster at wide receiver, was placed in protocol on Tuesday before final roster reductions were announced. Guard Conner Williams is also on the Covid list. 

By moving injured players onto the IR list, the Cowboys opened up roster spots to sign a few players off waivers. The team claimed Quarterback Will Grier from the Carolina Panthers on Wednesday. Running Back Corey Clement has reportedly signed with the Cowboys to be the third running back after Rico Dowdle (hip) went on IR during the preseason.  

Long Snapper Jake McQuaid, who was waived on Tuesday, has re-signed with the Cowboys. Punter Brian Anger, also released Tuesday, is expected to re-sign in the coming days. Dallas currently has only one kicker on the active roster in Greg Zuerlein.  

T.J. Vasher (knee) remains on the non-football injury reserve list as he rehabs a knee injury suffered at Texas Tech. He was signed as an undrafted free agent in May and did not participate in training camp. 

Trysten Hill continues to remain on the Physically Unable to Perform list. Hill suffered a torn ACL on the same day last season that Quarterback Dak Prescott was lost for the season with a fractured ankle. Hill has struggled with injuries that have let him appear in only 11 games since being drafted in the second round in 2019. The team has released very little information about Hill’s status. 

The Cowboys will open the season facing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on Thursday, September 9 for a special edition of Sunday Night Football. The Cowboys will face the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday Night Football on Thanksgiving Day and will travel to New Orleans to face the Saints on the following Thursday.