The Dallas Cowboys have returned to their home base at AT&T Stadium after a productive training camp in Oxnard, California. As they gear up for their second preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday, the team is poised to make critical roster decisions. However, a surprising report from Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport has sent shockwaves through Cowboys Nation, suggesting that fourth-year linebacker Damone Clark could be on the chopping block before the 2025-26 NFL regular season begins.
Damone Clark, a former safety turned linebacker, showed significant promise early in his NFL career. After undergoing spinal fusion surgery, Clark defied the odds by starting all 17 games for the Cowboys in the 2023 season, racking up over 100 total tackles. His resilience and on-field production made him a fan favorite and a key piece of Dallas’ defensive puzzle. However, despite his early success, Clark’s position with the team now appears precarious.
According to Davenport, Clark’s struggles against the run have become a glaring liability. While his athleticism and coverage skills, honed during his days as a safety, have been assets, his inability to consistently stop the run has raised concerns. With the Cowboys’ linebacker corps undergoing a significant overhaul in the offseason, Clark finds himself buried on the depth chart, overshadowed by new additions and rising stars.
The Cowboys made strategic moves to bolster their linebacker unit, bringing in veterans Jack Sanborn and Kenneth Murray Jr. to anchor the defense. Additionally, the emergence of Marist Liufau, a young and dynamic linebacker, has added depth and versatility to the group. These changes have pushed Clark further down the pecking order, making his roster spot anything but secure.
Davenport noted, “Damone Clark isn’t a bad NFL linebacker… But the converted safety is a liability against the run, and with the Cowboys retooling their linebacker corps in the offseason, he finds himself well down the depth chart.” This assessment highlights the harsh reality of the NFL, where even talented players can become expendable when a team shifts its priorities.
With the Cowboys’ second preseason game looming, Saturday’s matchup against the Ravens offers Clark a critical opportunity to prove his worth. Preseason games are often make-or-break moments for players on the roster bubble, and Clark will need to deliver a standout performance to change the narrative. A strong showing, particularly in run defense, could force the Cowboys’ coaching staff to reconsider his value to the team.
However, the odds are stacked against him. The Cowboys’ revamped linebacker unit is crowded with talent, and the team’s front office may prioritize players who align more closely with their defensive scheme under coordinator Mike Zimmer. Clark’s ability to adapt and showcase his versatility will be crucial if he hopes to avoid the cut.
The potential release of Damone Clark would mark a surprising turn for a player who once seemed poised for a long-term role with the Cowboys. His journey from a serious injury to a 100-tackle season was a testament to his determination, but the NFL is a results-driven league. If Clark cannot demonstrate marked improvement in the areas where he’s struggled, the Cowboys may opt to move forward without him.
As the Cowboys prepare to face the Ravens, all eyes will be on Clark and other players fighting for their roster spots. For Clark, Saturday’s game is more than just a preseason contest—it’s a chance to rewrite his future with the team. Whether he can rise to the occasion remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the stakes couldn’t be higher.