The Cowboys are down another starting defender, and that means they had to elevate a former Detroit Lions starter to their active squad.
The hits for the Dallas Cowboys defense continue. On Friday, they ruled out All-Pro pass rusher Micah Parsons and starting linebacker Eric Kendricks. That’s on top of losing defensive ends DeMarcus Lawrence and Marshawn Kneeland to injured reserve stints.
On Saturday, the Cowboys got more bad news for their defense. Starting cornerback and 2023 interception leader DaRon Bland will not be activated to the 53-man roster after returning to practice this week following a stint on injured reserve.
With rookie cornerback Caelen Carson also questionable to play, the Cowboys have activated a familiar face from their practice squad. Former Lions fifth-round pick Amani Oruwariye has been elevated and could play against his former team.
The Lions opted not to re-sign Oruwariye in 2023 free agency, and he ended up splitting the season with the Giants and Jaguars, only making a single game appearance. After getting cut by the Jaguars this year, the Cowboys added him to their practice squad. He has already made two appearances for Dallas through the first month of the season, including a start last week against the Steelers. In his first game appearance for the Cowboys, Oruwariye tallied the game-sealing interception against the Giants.
In case you missed last night. Amani Oruwariye with the game clinching INT for the Cowboys pic.twitter.com/j1ZMW7haly
— PS Football U (@psufootballu) September 27, 2024
Also, something to keep an eye on: with Kendricks out and linebacker Nick Vigil questionable, the Cowboys had to elevate Darius Harris from the practice squad.
Sunday, Oruwariye will get his chance at a revenge game of sorts, but it won’t come easy. Detroit is heading down to Dallas with plenty of motivation of their own, and they’re also coming off their best offensive performance of the season. In Week 4, Jared Goff was a perfect 18-of-18 for 292 yards and two touchdowns.
Meanwhile, all of the players on the Lions’ 52-man roster are off the injury report and expected to be available for Sunday afternoon.
