Cowboys to sign two DBs before Wk 4: Updated 53-man, PS, Returnable IR
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Cowboys to sign two DBs before Wk 4: Updated 53-man, PS, Returnable IR
K.D. Drummond, Cowboys Wire·Cowboys Wire
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4 min read
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TheDallas Cowboys' injury train took on a slew of new passengers when it stopped through Brazil in Week 3. Mr. Attrition wasn't kind to Brian Schottenheimer's crew, and as such, there's a lot of shuffling that has gone down in the last couple of days.
Prior to the contest, the team moved safety PJ Locke to Returnable IR due to his plantar fasciitis, opening a roster spot for LBJustin Barronto step into. The club also used one of CBReddy Steward's elevations. During the loss toBaltimore, Dallas lost several players, as the secondary thinned out even further. Starting safetyJalen Thompsonwill miss several weeks while he deals with hamstring issues. DTJonathan Bullardand CBShavon Revelwere also banged up and could miss some time.
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WithCobie Durant(hamstring) andMalik Hooker(forearm) missing the game as well, that's five of Dallas' top seven secondary players (DaRon Bland,Caleb Downs) who are not well. It's a crisis that led to Tuesday's reported signings of safetyJuanyeh Thomasand cornerAlex Austin, two of five players worked out on Tuesday.
Here's a look at the team's (expected) 53-man roster, 17-man practice squad , and returnable-IR group.
Aug 16, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarvion Overshown (0) looks on before the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
No. 2 CB Cobie Durant
Nov 2, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams cornerback Cobie Durant (14) warms up prior to the game against the New Orleans Saints at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Aug 22, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens (3) before the game against the Atlanta Falcons at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Dec 10, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) smiles on the field after the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
May 28, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys player Donovan Ezeiruaku watches the game between the Dallas Wings and the Las Vegas Aces at College Park Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Aug 8, 2019; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Rashan Gary (52) during the game against the Houston Texans at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - FEBRUARY 04: NFL player KaVontae Turpin of the Dallas Cowboys attends the NFL Pro Bowl Weekend Celebrity All-Star Game 2023 benefiting the charity D Up On Cancer at the Cox Pavilion on February 04, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Syracuse Orange defensive back Alijah Clark (5) warms up ahead of the NCAA football game against the Purdue Boilermakers, Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind. Syracuse Orange won 35-20.
No. 13 DB Caleb Downs
Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs is selected by the Dallas Cowboys as the number eleven pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Dec 24, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell (14) at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys place kicker Brandon Aubrey (17) watches his field goal in the fourth quarter against the New York Jets at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 3, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Mississippi wide receiver Jonathan Mingo (WO35) speaks to the press at the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 27, 2025; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ryan Flournoy (19) at training camp at the River Ridge Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
No. 21 CB Caelen Carson
Jul 22, 2025; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Caelen Carson (21) during training camp at the River Ridge Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Aug 28, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Ameer Speed (39) tackles New Orleans Saints tight end Treyton Welch (82) during the second half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
No. 24 Safety Malik Hooker
Jul 29, 2023; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys safety Malik Hooker (28) during training camp at the River Ridge Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
No. 26 CB DaRon Bland
Jul 22, 2025; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland (26) during training camp at the River Ridge Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
No. 28 CB Shavon Revel, Jr.
Aug 16, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. (27) looks on before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Jul 27, 2023; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Hunter Luepke (43) during training camp at Marriott Residence Inn-River Ridge Playing Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
No. 31 RB Emeri Demercado
Sep 25, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado (31) against the Seattle Seahawks at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Sep 25, 2026; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Dallas Cowboys running back Tyler Goodson (32) during practice at the Clube de Regatas do Flamengo training ground. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 03: Javonte Williams #33 of the Dallas Cowboys walks off the field after the game at AT&T Stadium on November 03, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
No. 34 Safety Jalen Thompson
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 21: Jalen Thompson #34 of the Arizona Cardinals looks on before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on November 21, 2021 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Aug 22, 2026; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker Von Miller looks on in the second half against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images
(Matt Kartozian, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Dec 24, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Cleveland Browns offensive tackle James Hudson III (66) stretches before playing against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 16, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys long snapper Trent Sieg (44) before the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
No. 45 LB Justin Barron
Jun 10, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker Justin Barron (55) goes through a drill during practice at the Ford Center at the Star Training Facility in Frisco, Texas. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images
Feb 26, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Florida linebacker Shemar James (LB09) during the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Nick Leverett (60) is introduced before their game against the Las Vegas Raiders at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Aug 23, 2025.
No. 52 OG Tyler Booker
Jul 26, 2025; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys guard Tyler Booker (52) at training camp at the River Ridge Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Jul 29, 2026; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker Dee Winters (53) at training camp at River Ridge Playing Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Aug 24, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys guard Cooper Beebe (56) walks off the field after the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
No. 57 Edge Malachi Lawrence
Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; UCF defensive lineman Malachi Lawrence (DL48) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Jul 26, 2025; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end Tyrus Wheat (91) at training camp at the River Ridge Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - AUGUST 22: Tyler Guyton #60 of the Dallas Cowboys walks off the field after the NFL Preseason 2025 game against the Atlanta Falcons at AT&T Stadium on August 22, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
Mar 1, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; University of Oregon offensive lineman Ajani Cornelius (OL09) answers questions at a press conference during the 2025 NFL Combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images
Jul 27, 2023; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys guard T.J. Bass (66) Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
No. 67 OT Drew Shelton
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 28: Drew Shelton of the Penn State Nittany Lions speaks to the media during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
May 28, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Broderick Jones (77) participates in OTA drills at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
May 1, 2026; Frisco, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Camden Brown (6) on the field during practice at the Ford Center at the Star Training Facility in Frisco, Texas. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images
Jul 29, 2023; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys tight end Luke Schoonmaker (86) during training camp at the River Ridge Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 23: Jake Ferguson #87 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates on the field after the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium on November 23, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys won 24-21. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Feb 4, 2024; Orlando, FL, USA; NFC wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) of the Dallas Cowboys before the 2024 Pro Bowl at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 1, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Minnesota tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford (TE13) works out during the 2024 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
No. 90 DT Jonathan Bullard
Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard (90) against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Oct 5, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers defensive tackle Otito Ogbonnia (93) walks on the field prior to the game against the Washington Commanders at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 17: Quinnen Williams #92 of the Dallas Cowboys reacts after the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on November 17, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images)
Jan 12, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive tackle Kenny Clark (97) against the Philadelphia Eagles in an NFC wild card game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
May 1, 2026; Frisco, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end LT Overton (99) walks off the field after practice at the Ford Center at the Star Training Facility in Frisco, Texas. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images
No. ?? Safety Juanyeh Thomas
Aug 26, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys safety Juanyeh Thomas (40) reacts after making an interception against the Seattle Seahawks in the fourth quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
No. ?? CB Alex Austin
Jul 29, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins cornerback Alex Austin (26) works during practice at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 23: Joe Milton III #10 of the Dallas Cowboys looks on prior to the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium on November 23, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Jan 4, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams cornerback Derion Kendrick (21) leaves the field following a game against the Arizona Cardinals at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Mar 4, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Pittsburgh running back Israel Abanikanda (RB01) speaks to the press at the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Elevations Remaining: 3 (assuming he returns to the PS after being released Tuesday)
No. 27 CB Reddy Steward
Nov 3, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Chicago Bears cornerback Reddy Steward (27) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Oct 19, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers linebacker Curtis Robinson (59) after the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Elevations Remaining: 2 (Was elevated for Week 2)
No. 46 TE Michael Trigg (UDFA)
Nov 22, 2025; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Baylor Bears tight end Michael Trigg (1) against the Arizona Wildcats at Casino Del Sol Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Aug 1, 2023; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker Isaiah Land (53) during training camp at Marriott Residence Inn-River Ridge playing fields. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 9, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Wanya Morris (64) against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Aug 18, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions offensive guard Laken Tomlinson (72) stands on the field after a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
May 1, 2026; Frisco, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Marcellus Johnson (79) on the field during practice at the Ford Center at the Star Training Facility in Frisco, Texas. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images
Elevations Remaining: 3
No. 81 WR Jordan Hudson
Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; SMU wideout Jordan Hudson (WO23) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images
Elevations Remaining: 3
No. 83 WR Anthony Smith
May 1, 2026; Frisco, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Anthony Smith (83) walks off the field after practice at the Ford Center at the Star Training Facility in Frisco, Texas. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images
Aug 21, 2026; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Elijah Garcia (96) celebrates a tackle for loss during the third quarter of the preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images
Elevations Remaining: 3
No. 95 DT Tommy Dunn
May 1, 2026; Frisco, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end Adedayo Odeleye (96) and Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Tommy Dunn (95) jog off the field after practice at the Ford Center at the Star Training Facility in Frisco, Texas. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images
Oct 12, 2021; London, United Kingdom; Adedayo Odeleye (GBR) during the NFL International Combine at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Elevations Remaining: 3
3
No. 1 Safety PJ Locke (Returnable)
August 9, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; Denver Broncos safety P.J. Locke (6) before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
Locke went on IR ahead of Week 3, meaning he'll be eligible to return in Week 7.
No. 29 CB Devin Moore (Returnable)
Florida defensive back Devin Moore (28) works out during Pro Day at Sanders Practice Fields in Gainesville, FL on Thursday, March 26, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
Moore was placed on Returnable IR at roster cutdowns, he is eligible to be activated in Week 5.
Sep 28, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker Marist Liufau (35) looks on from the sidelines during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Green Bay Packers at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Liufau was placed on Returnable IR at roster cutdowns, he is eligible to be activated in Week 5.
Aug 1, 2026; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Malik Davis (20) carries the ball at training camp at River Ridge Playing Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Davis was placed on IR for Week 1 but is out for the season with a hip injury.
No. 49 (OFF) TE DJ Rogers (UDFA)
Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; TCU tight end DJ Rogers (TE20) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images
Rogers was placed on IR during training camp and is done for the year.
Jul 22, 2025; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys tight end Princeton Fant (85) during training camp at the River Ridge Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Fant was placed on IR during training camp and is done for the year.
Oct 19, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers center Matt Hennessy (center) prepares to snap the ball to quarterback Mac Jones (center right) during the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Hennessy was placed on IR during training camp and is done for the year.
No. 94 DT Kelvin Gilliam
Jul 24, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; Virginia Tech defensive linebacker Kelvin Gilliam Jr.answers questions from the media during ACC Media Days at Hilton Charlotte Uptown. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Gilliam was placed on IR during training camp and is done for the year.