The Dallas Cowboys have been anything but idle following Tuesday’s NFL roster cutdown deadline, making a flurry of moves to fine-tune their 53-man roster ahead of their Week 1 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. On Wednesday, the team executed a series of surprising transactions, including claiming two new cornerbacks off the waiver wire, moving two players to injured reserve (IR), and bringing back two familiar veterans to bolster their depth.
New Faces at Cornerback
The Cowboys claimed cornerbacks Trikweze Bridges (formerly with the Los Angeles Chargers) and Reddy Stewart (formerly with the Minnesota Vikings) off waivers, as confirmed by the league office. These additions prompted the release of cornerbacks Andrew Booth and Zion Childress, the latter an undrafted free agent (UDFA) who had been considered a potential starter at slot corner for the season opener. The decision to part ways with Childress was particularly surprising, given the buzz around his potential role in Dallas’ secondary.
IR Moves and Roster Replacements
Later in the day, the Cowboys made further adjustments by placing two players on injured reserve: rookie running back Phil Mafah and second-year cornerback Caelen Carson. Mafah, a seventh-round pick out of Clemson, reportedly suffered a shoulder injury in the preseason finale against the Atlanta Falcons. Some speculate that Dallas may be strategically using the IR designation to retain Mafah, potentially revisiting their backfield options involving Javonte Williams or Miles Sanders. Carson, meanwhile, is sidelined with a knee injury sustained during training camp, following offseason shoulder surgery.
To fill the roster spots vacated by Mafah and Carson, the Cowboys signed offensive lineman Hakeem Adeniji and special teams standout C.J. Goodwin. Adeniji, a versatile lineman capable of playing both inside and outside, adds valuable depth to an offensive line group that now totals 10 players. Goodwin, a familiar face in Dallas, returns after impressing new special teams coordinator Nick Sorensen, who reportedly advocated strongly for his reinstatement.
Running Back and Cornerback Depth Concerns
The moves leave the Cowboys with just four running backs on the active roster: Javonte Williams, Jaydon Blue, Miles Sanders, and Hunter Luepke. Williams, who did not play in the preseason, and Sanders, who saw limited action with just 15 snaps, will need to carry the load in the backfield. Meanwhile, the cornerback position remains a concern, despite maintaining the same number of players. With Goodwin unlikely to see defensive snaps, Dallas is effectively left with five cornerbacks, only three of whom—Trevon Diggs, DaRon Bland, and Kaiir Elam—are familiar with head coach Matt Eberflus’ defensive system.
The reliance on Diggs, Bland, and Elam is particularly notable, as Diggs was activated from the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list only on Monday after missing the entire training camp and preseason due to rehab. Facing Jalen Hurts and the high-powered Eagles offense in Week 1 will be a daunting challenge for this trio.
Practice Squad Additions and Game-Day Elevations
To bolster their depth, the Cowboys signed cornerbacks Kemon Hall and Robert Rochell to the practice squad and are hopeful that Childress will clear waivers to rejoin the team in a similar capacity. With the current cornerback situation, Dallas is likely to elevate at least one, if not both, of Hall and Rochell to the 46-man game-day roster for their Thursday night opener.
Strategic Moves or Cause for Concern?
The Cowboys’ flurry of roster moves reflects a team still searching for its final form as the regular season looms. The addition of Bridges and Stewart signals an effort to strengthen a secondary that will face immediate pressure, while Adeniji and Goodwin provide experienced depth at critical positions. However, the injuries to Mafah and Carson, combined with the release of promising talents like Childress, raise questions about the team’s depth and readiness, particularly at running back and cornerback.
As Dallas prepares to take on the Eagles, all eyes will be on how these new additions and returning veterans integrate into the roster. With a challenging season ahead, the Cowboys’ front office has made it clear they are willing to take bold steps to shape their team for success.