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Cowboys Sign Juanyeh Thomas to Active Roster, Waive Caelen Carson
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- Cowboys Sign Juanyeh Thomas to Active Roster, Waive Caelen Carson
The Dallas Cowboys have made a roster move in their secondary, signing safety Juanyeh Thomas from the practice squad to the active roster and waiving cornerback Caelen Carson.
Dallas announced the transactions Tuesday as the team continues to adjust its defensive personnel during the 2026 season. Thomas has already been elevated from the practice squad multiple times this season, and the latest move gives him a permanent spot on the active roster for now.
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Carson's departure creates an opening in the Cowboys' cornerback group as Dallas prepares for its upcoming schedule. The team will look to maintain its defensive depth while addressing several concerns that have emerged during a 2-4 start.
Juanyeh Thomas earns spot on Cowboys' active roster
Thomas has become a familiar option for Dallas as injuries and personnel needs have prompted the team to make changes in its secondary. The safety originally joined the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent after playing college football at Georgia Tech.
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The 6-foot-3 defensive back has spent time with the Cowboys over multiple seasons, appearing in 38 career games entering the 2026 campaign. He has contributed primarily as a reserve defender and special-teams option, giving Dallas experience and versatility in its defensive backfield.
Thomas was elevated from the practice squad for several games earlier this season. Under NFL roster rules, a player can be elevated from the practice squad a limited number of times before the team must sign him to the active roster to continue using that option.
By adding Thomas to the 53-man roster, Dallas can retain him as it navigates its defensive needs for the remainder of the season. His familiarity with the system could also help the Cowboys as they continue to manage their safety depth.
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Cowboys waive Caelen Carson as roster changes continue
To make room for Thomas, Dallas waived cornerback Caelen Carson. The move ends Carson's current stint on the Cowboys' active roster, although waivers give other NFL teams an opportunity to claim him.
Carson joined Dallas after playing college football at Wake Forest and has been part of the team's cornerback depth. He appeared in games for the Cowboys during his time with the organization but had limited opportunities to establish a regular role in the defense.
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The Cowboys have continued to adjust their secondary as they work through the season. Injuries and changing personnel needs have required Dallas to rely on additional defensive backs, including players brought up from the practice squad.
The latest transaction reflects the team's decision to keep Thomas on the active roster while moving on from Carson. Dallas will continue evaluating its defensive personnel as it attempts to improve consistency on that side of the ball.
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This story was originally published by Athlon on Oct 20, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
