The Dallas Cowboys kicked off their preseason with a 32-21 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday, marking their seventh straight defeat in preseason openers. While the final score in these games carries little weight, fans were hoping for a sharper performance following an intense, physical training camp. The game may not have been pretty, but it wasn’t without its bright spots—especially from players battling for a coveted spot on the 53-man roster. Among them, rookie running back Phil Mafah and undrafted defensive back Zion Childress turned heads, but it was a late addition to the team who stole the show: defensive tackle Perrion Winfrey.
Signed in June after mandatory minicamp, Winfrey has wasted no time making his case for a roster spot. In a game where the Cowboys’ interior defensive line struggled to generate pressure or hold firm against the run, Winfrey was a standout. His stat line may show just a half-tackle, but numbers don’t tell the full story of his impact. On one memorable play, Winfrey bulldozed his way through the line, tossing his blocker into Rams quarterback Stetson Bennett’s lap. Though Bennett managed to complete the pass, Winfrey’s disruption was undeniable—a textbook example of doing his job and doing it well.
Winfrey’s performance wasn’t a one-off fluke. Since joining the Cowboys, he’s consistently shown the traits head coach Matt Eberflus prioritizes in his defensive tackles: the ability to penetrate upfield and stout run defense. While he didn’t dominate every snap against the Rams, he didn’t need a highlight-reel full of sacks to prove his worth. His steady, disruptive presence has been a breath of fresh air for a defensive line desperate for reliable depth behind star tackle Osa Odighizuwa.
Tuesday’s joint practice with the Rams already had people buzzing about Winfrey, and his performance on Saturday only amplified the hype. While former first-round pick Mazi Smith and seventh-round rookie Jay Toia struggled to make an impact, Winfrey seized his moment, flashing on multiple plays and showing why he’s quickly becoming a fan favorite. His ability to disrupt both the pass and run games has positioned him as a potential steal for Dallas—a player who could solidify the interior defensive line for years to come.
The Cowboys’ defensive tackle depth has been a question mark, and while adding a veteran presence might still be on the table, Winfrey’s play is making a compelling case for his inclusion on the 53-man roster. Since signing in early June, he’s been a standout in training camp, blending athleticism, power, and instincts to earn the trust of the coaching staff. Saturday’s game was just the latest evidence that Winfrey isn’t just fighting for a roster spot—he’s demanding one.