Latest On Texans’ Safety Plan
For the second time, after spending a season with the Eagles, safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson only played three games with his new team. The first time, in Detroit, an injury in the second game of the season forced him to the sideline until the regular season finale. This year, Houston released the veteran defensive back and will now need to fill his role on the defense. 
According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2, another veteran defensive back, M.J. Stewart will be the next man up at the position. A second-round pick out of North Carolina in 2018, Stewart started his career as a slot cornerback for the Buccaneers. He made six starts in his first two seasons but missed 11 games and was waived before the start of his third year.
The Browns picked Stewart up off waivers, and while splitting time at nickelback with Kevin Johnson, Stewart snagged the only two interceptions of his career. He stuck around with the Browns for the final year of his rookie contract, and Cleveland began to give him a bit of run at safety. Though he was still splitting his time between the slot and the defensive outfield, Stewart began to look more comfortable as a defender, grading out as the team’s third-best defender that 2021 season, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required).
As a free agent, Stewart signed with the Texans, and though he’s mostly been a special teamer during his time in Houston, when the depth piece did appear on defense, he was lining up the most as a safety. In those first three years with the team, he was always an available option to sub into the first team defense in case of injuries, and he was called to do so a few times. That’s why head coach DeMeco Ryans feels comfortable turning to him now, in the wake of Gardner-Johnson’s departure.
Stewart may not need to be relied upon for long, though. Veteran safety Jimmie Ward was recently removed from the commissioner’s exempt list as he distances himself from an assault family violence charge. Despite the removal, Ward still isn’t quite ready to return to the field as he remains on the reserve/physically unable to perform list following a pair of offseason foot surgeries. Per Wilson, Ward is expected to be ready to return to practice activities in the next few weeks, barring any disciplinary action on behalf of the NFL concerning the resolution of his legal situation.
Houston will add a bit of depth to the position, as well. Wilson reports that undrafted rookie Zion Childress has been signed to the team’s active roster off of the Cowboys‘ practice squad. Childress has been called up twice by Dallas as a standard gameday practice squad elevation but has only appeared on special teams, so far. With Stewart stepping into the starting role, Childress may stand to fill Stewart’s special teams role with an ability to step up, if necessary.
Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb Suffers High Ankle Sprain
The Cowboys’ defense endured another poor outing in Week 3. The team’s efforts to rebound will likely include a shorthanded unit on offense. 
CeeDee Lamb exited yesterday’s loss against the Bears with an ankle injury and did not return. It became clear afterwards that further testing would be needed to determine the severity of his injury. The All-Pro wideout now looks to be in line to miss time.
“Certainly, he’s got a high ankle sprain and every one of those are different,” Cowboys COO Stephen Jones said of Lamb during a Monday appearance on 105.3 The Fan (via ESPN’s Todd Archer). “We’d love to have him back for Green Bay but at the same time we also got to understand the injury is what it is and we’ll play it out.”
The Cowboys will play the Packers in Week 4, so Jones’ comments leave the door open to Lamb managing to avoid any missed time. Based on the reports which have emerged this afternoon, however, it appears far more likely Dallas will be without him for a short stretch. A timeline of two to four weeks is being considered internally, as first reported by Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News.
Since then, both Archer and WFAA’s Ed Werder have pointed to an absence between three and four weeks. Provided those are accurate, Lamb can be considered a lock to at least miss the Cowboys’ upcoming game against a Green Bay defense featuring Micah Parsons. Injured reserve is not being considered in this case, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
As such, Lamb is eligible to return at any time without needing to miss a stretch of four games or longer. The four-time Pro Bowler being back at full strength will be critical for the Cowboys’ offense, of course. On the other hand, it would be sensible to proceed with caution while managing Lamb’s injury. That could especially be true with George Pickens in the fold.
The offseason trade acquisition has totaled 68 yards and scored one touchdown in each of the past two games. Pickens will be counted on to operate as Dallas’ top pass-catching option until Lamb is healthy. It will be interesting to see when that will prove to be the case as the Cowboys aim to improve on their 1-2 start.
Cowboys CB Trevon Diggs Could Miss Week 3
The Cowboys have been ravaged by injuries in the secondary early this season. Trevon Diggs has managed to play both games in 2025, but he too could be unavailable tomorrow. 
Diggs was added to Dallas’ injury report on Saturday with a knee ailment (h/t Sirius XM’s Adam Caplan). He is currently listed as questionable for tomorrow’s game against the Bears. Being unavailable would leave the Cowboys without another key cornerback figure.
DaRon Bland is in the middle of recovering from a foot sprain. He is not seen as a candidate for injured reserve, meaning a return in the near future should be expected. Still, Bland will be out tomorrow, so Diggs being sidelined as well would leave the Cowboys without both of their perimeter starters. It is already known depth will be an issue, with third-round rookie Shavon Revel on the reserve/NFI list through at least Week 4. He could return when first eligible, something which would provide Dallas with at least one healthy contributor on the boundary.
Diggs was limited to just two games last season, and following knee surgery it was unclear through training camp whether or not he would be available for the start of the campaign. With Revel out of the picture and Caelen Carson injured as well, Diggs (27 today) has managed to play a key role early on. If that continues, he will help a Cowboys secondary which struggled mightily last week and boost his chances of remaining in place beyond the current season – after which his contract no longer contains guaranteed salaries.
It was reported last week the Cowboys were not eyeing a cornerback addition through free agency or trade in spite of their injury woes at the position. More recently, owner Jerry Jones has confirmed he is willing to part with at least some of the draft capital acquired in the Micah Parsons deal to pull off an an-season acquisition. Such a move would likely be aimed at the defensive side of the ball, although a return to health in the secondary could lessen the need for additions during the campaign.
With the likes of Bland, Revel and Carson out and Diggs’ status in question, it comes as little surprise both of Dallas’ gameday elevations for Week 3 are cornerbacks. Zion Childress and Robert Rochell are once again receiving the temporary call-up from the practice squad for tomorrow. That was also the case last week, so they will each have one elevation remaining after Sunday’s contest.
Cowboys Open To Trade Acquisition
The Micah Parsons trade resulted in Kenny Clark joining the Cowboys. The blockbuster deal also yielded a pair of first-round picks heading to Dallas, and owner Jerry Jones noted those selections could be used as part of a 2025 acquisition.
For now, the Cowboys are on course to have an extra Day 1 selection this year and next. Of course, that could change if the team used some of that capital for immediate help (particularly on the defensive side of the ball). Jones acknowledged on Friday an in-season deal is something Dallas is open to.
“Absolutely, I’m open for business period relative now that we have those extra picks,” said Jones (via The Athletic’s Jon Machota). “We should be.”
After just two weeks, it’s hard to say where Dallas needs the most help. Their defense allowed the third-most passing yards in the NFL through two weeks, but they seem to like their secondary talent and believe the unit will improve this year. As such, a cornerback addition feels unlikely. A more useful coverage upgrade might be at off-ball linebacker or safety; Cowboys at those positions have graded poorly to start the year, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required).
The Cowboys offense doesn’t seem to need any help. It’s a top-5 unit after two games, including a surprisingly-effective running game, and the amount of money Jones is already spending on that side of the ball may dissuade him from any other moves.
Nikhil Mehta contribute to this post.
Cowboys CB Shavon Revel Set For Week 5 Return; Latest On LB DeMarvion Overshown
The Cowboys’ defense did not enjoy a strong performance in Week 2, with Russell Wilson throwing for 450 yards. The unit is set to remain shorthanded for now, but reinforcements are expected. 
The cornerback position has been a sore spot early in the year, and DaRon Bland is currently sidelined. In spite of that, Dallas is not expected to pursue an outside addition. Part of the reason that is the case is the fact Bland’s injury is not seen as a long-term issue; rookie Shavon Revel is also on his way back into the fold.
Revel opened the year on Dallas’ reserve/NFI list, ensuring at least a four-game absence to begin the season. The East Carolina product continues to rehab the ACL tear which ended his college career and contributed to a fall down the draft order. When healthy, he will be a welcomed addition to a unit featuring Bland, Trevon Diggs and offseason trade acquisition Kaiir Elam. With respect to when a return will take place, ESPN’s Dan Graziano writes Revel is believed to be on track to play in Week 5.
That is encouraging news for Dallas’ defense, a group which is still thin at the linebacker spot. DeMarvion Overshown is on the reserve/PUP list thanks to the knee injury resulted in ACL, MCL and PCL tears late last season. The 25-year-old said in June he was ahead of schedule in his lengthy recovery process, although no firm timetable for a return has been stated. Per Graziano, the Cowboys expect Overshown to be available at some point in October or November.
After missing his rookie season with a different ACL tear, the Texas product thrived when on the field last year. Overshown served as a defensive starter, collecting 90 tackles and five sacks in 13 games. Strong production will be expected again once he is available, something which should be the case around the midway point of the campaign. Once Revel and Overshown return, a clearer picture of the Cowboys’ defensive upside should emerge.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 9/17/25
Today’s midweek practice squad moves:
Dallas Cowboys
- Signed: C Wesley French
Houston Texans
- Signed: CB Ajani Carter
New Orleans Saints
- Signed: T Sataoa Laumea, G William Sherman
- Released: QB Hunter Dekkers
New York Giants
- Signed: CB LaMareon James
- Released: CB Dee Williams
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Signed: TE Matt Sokol
- Released: TE J.J. Galbreath, WR Rakim Jarrett
San Francisco 49ers
- Signed: T Brandon Parker
Seattle Seahawks
- Signed: CB Shaquill Griffin
Cowboys Eyeing Brandon Aubrey Extension
In April, it became clear a quartet of players were seen as priorities for second contracts with the Cowboys. Guard Tyler Smith, cornerback DaRon Bland, tight end Jake Ferguson and kicker Brandon Aubrey were identified as candidates for new deals.
Since then, each of Smith, Bland and Ferguson have inked new deals. Aubrey thus represents the next item on the to-do list regarding an extension. If anything, his market value increased in Week 2 with a game-tying field goal from 64 yards out. Aubrey wound up winning the game in overtime with a 46-yard kick, adding further to his track record of success and showcasing his importance to Dallas.
To little surprise, then, a long-term commitment could be in store soon. During an appearance on 105.3 The Fan, COO Stephen Jones confirmed the Cowboys are still interested in extending Aubrey. One year remains on his rookie contract, and as a former UDFA he is currently on course for restricted free agency.
“He certainly is coming,” Jones said of a new Aubrey contract (via Jon Machota of The Athletic). “We’ll be looking at that. Probably have had communications since the kick. But he’s certainly in the future.”
Aubrey’s professional career began in Major League Soccer, but he quickly found success after transitioning to football. A two-year run in the USFL resulted in an opportunity with the Cowboys, and the 30-year-old has enjoyed a highly impressive tenure in the NFL. Aubrey has earned a Pro Bowl nod during each of his first two Dallas campaigns; he was on the first All-Pro team in 2023 and received a place on the second team last year.
With a success rate of 90.1% on his field goal tries (including a mark of 27 for 30 from 50 yards and beyond), Aubrey has a strong case to become the league’s top earner at the kicker position. Harrison Butker currently leads the way with an average of $6.4MM per year. Jake Elliott is the only other kicker attached to an AAV of $6MM.
Aubrey could very well reach or surpass that mark on a new Cowboys contract. Dallas’ extensions for Bland and fullback Hunter Luepke were finalized shortly before the start of the regular season, while the Smith pact was signed after the campaign had begun. Given the team’s willingness to negotiate in-season, an Aubrey agreement could be in store at any time.
Minor NFL Transactions: 9/15/25
Today’s minor moves:
Dallas Cowboys
- Placed on IR: C Cooper Beebe
Houston Texans
- Elevated: FB Jakob Johnson
Las Vegas Raiders
- Elevated: WR Alex Bachman
Philadelphia Eagles
- Waived from IR: S Lewis Cine
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Elevated: OL Michael Jordan
Washington Commanders
- Signed from practice squad: DE Jalyn Holmes, WR Chris Moore
- Placed on IR: RB Austin Ekeler (story), DE Deatrich Wise (story)
As expected, Cowboys center Cooper Beebe landed on injured reserve today after suffering an ankle and foot injury during yesterday’s win over the Giants. The lineman suffered a lateral sprain in his ankle along with a bone fracture in his foot, an injury that’s expected to keep him sidelined for six to eight weeks. During an appearance on 105.3 The Fan, Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones expressed optimism that the injury timeline is “on the shorter end of that” (per Charean Williams of ProFootballTalk.com).
Cowboys C Cooper Beebe Facing Multi-Week Absence
The Cowboys’ offensive line was shorthanded to close out their overtime win in Week 2. That will remain the case for an extended period. 
Center Cooper Beebe suffered a lateral sprain in his ankle along with a bone fracture in his foot on Sunday, according to ESPN’s Todd Archer. A recovery timeline of six to eight weeks is expected, meaning a stint on injured reserve would come as little surprise. Per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, there is hope Beebe will manage to be back in the fold by the early portion of that range.
A move to IR would ensure at least a four-week absence. The Cowboys are likely to take that route given Beebe’s prognosis. In any case, Brock Hoffman will be counted on to handle starting center duties for several games. Hoffman made a total of nine starts across the 2023 and ’24 campaigns, and the former UDFA is now in position to add to that total.
Beebe was selected in the third round of last year’s draft as a replacement for Tyler Biadasz following his departure on the open market. The Kansas State product immediately took on starting duties and logged over 1,000 snaps (all at center). Beebe finished 15th amongst qualifying centers in term of PFF grade, and expectations were high for an effective follow-up campaign. That could still prove to be possible, but only after a notable period on the sidelines.
Hoffman was retained this offseason in a move which could now prove to be critical given his looming stint as a starter. The 26-year-old is a pending restricted free agent, so an effective run with the first-team offensive line could help his value with the Cowboys next spring (or another team in the event he is non-tendered). Beebe’s rookie contract runs through 2027.
Dallas just made a record-breaking investment in guard Tyler Smith, inking him to a $24MM-per-year extension. He and 2024 first-rounder Tyler Guyton will reprise their roles on the left side of the Cowboys’ offensive line through the coming weeks. That period will not have Beebe available at center, however.
Cowboys, Jadeveon Clowney Agree To Deal
10:10pm: Per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Clowney’s new contract is a one-year, $3.5MM pact. If the veteran defender can maximize the value of the deal, he could earn up to $6MM in 2025.
4:08pm: Jadeveon Clowney will, in fact, be heading to Dallas for the 2025 season. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said after the team’s Week 2 game (via NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero) the veteran edge rusher has a deal in place. 
Clowney visited Dallas on Wednesday, a clear indication an interest existed between team and player. No deal was reached, and in the immediate aftermath of the visit it was reported a signing was not expected. Instead, Clowney has indeed managed to line up his next opportunity.
Shortly after the visit, Bryan Broaddus of 105.3 The Fan reported (h/t Pro Football Talk’s Charean Williams) Dallas preferred a signing, with Clowney electing to wait. In the aftermath of a wild overtime win, the Cowboys have now added a veteran presence along the edge. The team’s post-Micah Parsons setup will see Clowney take on at least a part-time role.
Th3 32-year-old has bounced around the league since his Texans tenure ended. Following a five-year spell in Houston, Clowney has played for the Seahawks, Titans, Browns, Ravens and Panthers. Only his Cleveland tenure (2021-22) lasted longer than one season. Carolina preferred to open up playing time for the team’s younger options along the edge, something which informed the team’s decision to release Clowney.
A lengthy free agent tenure ensued, and the three-time Pro Bowler drew interest from a number of teams. Despite aiming to have a deal in place before Week 1, Clowney (who has posted nine sacks in a season three times, including 2024) remained on the market through to today. Now, his attention will turn to joining a 1-1 team aiming for an improvement compared to its defensive showing in Week 2. The Giants scored 37 points (including a go-ahead touchdown inside the final minute of the contest) before ultimately falling short against Dallas.
The Cowboys notched two sacks on Sunday, one of which was recorded by defensive tackle Kenny Clark (acquired in the Parsons trade). Only James Houston managed one amongst the team’s edge rushers. As Dallas looks to add production in that respect, Clowney will join a group featuring Houston, Dante Fowler, Sam Williams, Marshawn Kneeland and second-round rookie Donovan Ezeiruaku. It will be interesting to see when Clowney will make his debut and how much of an impact he will be able to make on his seventh career team.