NFL Practice Squad Updates: 10/24/23
Here are Tuesday’s practice squad moves:
Arizona Cardinals
- Released: CB Quavian White
Carolina Panthers
- Released: OL Justin McCray
Cleveland Browns
- Signed: RB Jordan Wilkins
Dallas Cowboys
- Signed: G Chris Glaser, LB Buddy Johnson, G Adam Pankey, TE Eric Saubert
Detroit Lions
- Signed: RB Jermar Jefferson
- Placed on practice squad IR: RB Mohamed Ibrahim
Indianapolis Colts
- Signed: DT Ross Blacklock
- Released: S Henry Black
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Signed: QB Nathan Rourke
Kansas City Chiefs
- Signed: DT Mike Pennel
- Released: WR Daniel Arias
Las Vegas Raiders
- Signed: LB Darius Harris, K James McCourt
- Released: TE John Samuel Shenker, LB Mykal Walker
- Released from practice squad injured list: TE Noah Togiai
Los Angeles Chargers
- Signed: LB Blake Lynch
- Released: LB Ty Shelby
New Orleans Saints
- Signed: OL Tommy Kraemer
- Restored from practice squad injured list: LB Ryan Connelly
- Released: TE J.P. Holtz
New York Jets
- Signed: WR Lance McCutcheon
- Released: S Tyreque Jones
New York Giants
- Signed: OLB Justin Hollins
Philadelphia Eagles
- Signed: DT Noah Elliss, LB Brandon Smith
- Released: CB Mario Goodrich, DB Tiawan Mullen
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Signed: LB Caleb Johnson, TE Scotty Washington
- Released: OL Obinna Eze, TE Noah Gindorff
San Francisco 49ers
- Signed: S Tayler Hawkins
- Released: CB Tre Norwood
Seattle Seahawks
- Signed: G Ben Brown, RB Bryant Koback
- Released: WR Cody White
Tennessee Titans
- Released: RB Jacques Patrick
Jerry Jones: Cowboys Will Not Initiate Trade Talks
One week remains until the trade deadline, and conflicting reports have emerged with respect to how the Cowboys will approach the coming days. Owner Jerry Jones clarified the team’s stance during his latest appearance on 105.3 The Fan. 
“The initiation of an opportunity to make a trade at this time that would help us principally has to start over on the other end,” Jones said, via Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News. “I like where we are with our personnel today.”
Reports from last week suggested Dallas would be aggressive in seeking out short-term help ahead of the deadline. With the team seemingly on track for another postseason berth, it would come as no surprise if, at a minimum, depth moves were made to address the injuries suffered by corner Trevon Diggs and/or linebacker Leighton Vander Esch. Subsequent reports refuted that expectation, however.
Indeed, ESPN’s Todd Archer notes that the Cowboys are likely to have a “quiet” deadline, something which Jones’ comments reaffirm. Dallas currently sits mid-pack in the NFL with respect to financial flexibility, as the team has just under $7.4MM in cap space. That would be sufficient to make at least one noteworthy move, particularly for a player on an expiring deal. Long-term financial considerations are no doubt in play in Dallas’ case, though.
The Cowboys are due to have quarterback Dak Prescott‘s cap hit explode to $59.5MM in 2024, meaning an extension will need to be worked out in the near future. Talks on that front will take place after the season, but other priorities will be in place by that point as well. Edge rusher Micah Parsons and wideout CeeDee Lamb will be eligible to sign lucrative second contracts in the spring, and plenty of future room will need to be budgeted for those investments.
Of course, the Cowboys will be open to offers made from other teams seeking to swing a deal. As Jones confirmed today, however, that path will be the only one by which a signficant alteration to Dallas’ roster is made.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 10/23/23
Here are Monday’s practice squad additions and subtractions:
Dallas Cowboys
- Released: LB Mikel Jones, T Alex Taylor-Prioleau
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Signed: DL Henry Mondeaux
- Released: DL Ross Blacklock
New Orleans Saints
- Signed: RB Jordan Mims
Tennessee Titans
- Signed: LB Joe Jones, RB Jonathan Ward
Cowboys Eyeing Offseason Dak Prescott Extension
The Cowboys are currently on their bye week, and their attention understandably remains on the immediate future (something which may or may not include moves in advance of the trade deadline). After the year, though, all eyes will be on the team’s handling of quarterback Dak Prescott‘s contract. 
The two-time Pro Bowler is on the books for one more season and is due $34MM next yea. As a result of a restructure, however, his 2024 cap hit is currently scheduled to reach $59.5MM – which would comfortably set a new record for the largest cap burden a player has carried in NFL history. To no surprise, Dallas will look to get another extension worked out around the new league year.
“He’s under contract now, but we’d like to do this after the season,” Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones told Dianna Russini of The Athletic during last week’s league meetings (subscription required). “Once the season is over, we will focus on that. Dak will be our quarterback.”
Dallas has remained firm in the team’s commitment to Prescott on a number of occasions, but not much in the way of negotiations on a long-term pact took place this past offseason. The former fourth-rounder is currently playing on his four-year, $160MM deal, one which places him in a tie for 10th in terms of AAV at the quarterback position. The market on that front saw four passers (Jalen Hurts, Lamar Jackson, Justin Herbert and Joe Burrow) eclipse the $50MM-per-year mark in recent months, and a number of other signal-callers will be in line to benefit as a result down the road.
Another Prescott extension has long been on the Cowboys’ radar, but a number of other candidates for new pacts are in place as well. The team was busy in that regard this offseason, but wideout CeeDee Lamb and edge rusher Micah Parsons headline the list of players who already are eligible for a re-up or will be after the season. The latter in particular figures to command a massive investment from Dallas, and the team’s cap situation for future years could see plenty of changes depending on how their next round of extensions shakes out.
In the meantime, Prescott will as always face considerable scrutiny through the rest of the season. The 4-2 Cowboys currently rank sixth in the league in scoring at 25.7 points per game , but they sit only 18th in terms of passing yards per game. Prescott’s performance in 2023 has been in line with his career averages in many respects, but Dallas’ red zone woes have contributed to him throwing only six touchdowns and posting yards per attempt (7.0) and passer rating (91) figures slightly short of his usual numbers. By season’s end, however, his focus and that of the Cowboys will turn to the negotiating table.
Cowboys Expected To Be Active At Deadline?
OCTOBER 20: Contradicting earlier reports, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler writes that the Cowboys are “content” with their roster, adding that Dallas is unlikely to make an aggressive push for a splashy addition. Likewise, Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports notes a blockbuster involving the Cowboys would come as a surprise. Instead, an “equitable mid-level deal” would make more sense, per the latter.
A defensive addition of that nature would make sense, particularly at the linebacker spot or in the secondary (areas Robinson identifies as ones to watch in Dallas’ case). The injuries suffered by Diggs and Vander Esch call for at least depth acquisitions, but anything more than that may now come as a surprise. The Cowboys currently sit mid-pack in terms of cap space with $7.15MM.
OCTOBER 19: The Cowboys have had an up-and-down start to their 2023 campaign. The team started the season by outscoring their opponents 70-10 across two wins. Since then, they’ve suffered a pair of losses: one to the lowly Cardinals and one to a fellow NFC contender in the 49ers, who blew out Dallas by a score of 42-10.
The team rebounded from that loss to San Francisco with a win in Week 6, and entering their bye week with a 4-2 record, the Cowboys still feel confident in their ability to compete for a championship. That’s why multiple NFL sources told Ralph Vacchiano of Fox Sports that the Cowboys are expected to be among the most active teams heading towards the trade deadline. Jordan Schultz echoed that sentiment during an appearance on CBS Sport Radio’s Maggie and Perloff, stating that Dallas is the “first team that comes to mind” among potential deadline buyers.
It sounds like the Cowboys are prepared to do whatever it takes to elevate their chances in 2023. Vacchiano writes that the organization isn’t “concerned with their long-term future,” and they’re not going to be passive with several glaring holes on their roster.
The Cowboys have struggled to replace cornerback Trevon Diggs (torn ACL), and the recent loss of Leighton Vander Esch (neck) could stretch a thin linebackers corps. However, even with those absences, the Cowboys have touted that they have one of the best defenses in the NFL, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if the team invests resources into the other side of the ball.
Vacchiano opines that the Cowboys’ biggest hole is at WR2 opposite star CeeDee Lamb. Michael Gallup was expected to take on a bigger role when Amari Cooper was dealt to Cleveland, but the receiver has hauled in only 57 catches in 20 games since that trade. Meanwhile, offseason acquisition Brandin Cooks has struggled during his brief stint in Dallas, catching only 13 passes for 109 yards and one touchdown in five games.
Regardless of which position (or positions) the front office zeroes in on, it sounds like the Cowboys will be aggressive leading up to the trade deadline on October 31.
Minor NFL Transactions: 10/16/23
Here are Monday’s minor moves:
Dallas Cowboys
- Activated from IR: CB Nahshon Wright
- Signed to active roster: LB Tyrus Wheat
- Elevated: RB Malik Davis, LB Malik Jefferson
- Placed on IR: CB C.J. Goodwin (story)
Los Angeles Chargers
- Elevated: WR Keelan Doss
New Orleans Saints
- Activated from reserve/suspended by commissioner: QB Jake Haener
- Waived: QB Jake Luton
New York Giants
- Waived: G Jalen Mayfield
Washington Commanders
- Released from IR: TE Kaden Smith
The Cowboys are bringing in some reinforcements after having to place linebacker Leighton Vander Esch on IR this week. The Chargers are bringing up Doss as a standard gameday elevation, as well, with Mike Williams, Simi Fehoko, and Jalen Guyton all out tonight.
Haener, the Saints’ rookie fourth-round passer, started his NFL career on a six-game suspension due to a violation of the league’s performance-enhancing substance policy. With Haener adding another arm to the bullpen, Luton became expendable but may find a spot on the team’s practice squad.
Cowboys’ Jerry Jones Endorses QB Dak Prescott, HC Mike McCarthy
The Cowboys are set to play the final game of Week 6 tonight, a contest against the Chargers which will be the team’s first opportunity to rebound from their lopsided loss to the 49ers last Sunday. Questions have been raised regarding Dallas’ offense in particular, but owner Jerry Jones remains confident in the unit. 
During a regular appearance on 105.3 The Fan, Jones acknowledged the poor showing on the Cowboys’ part in their 42-10 loss. The performance did not, however, give him reason to consider taking play-calling duties away from head coach Mike McCarthy or doubts about quarterback Dak Prescott‘s standing as Dallas’ undisputed starter.
“We have, in my mind — make no mistake about it — we have a quarterback that can get us there,” Jones said, via Fox Sports’ Ralph Vacchiano. “I feel very strongly there. [And] we have coaching on both sides of the ball that can get us there.”
Monday will be a noteworthy contest not only given the Cowboys’ aim to bounce back on offense, but the fact that the Chargers have Kellen Moore at the helm of their offense. The latter was let go this offseason after four years as Dallas’ offensive coordinator, a stretch during which the team led the league in scoring twice. That decision paved the way for McCarthy to take on play-calling duties, and he has enjoyed mixed results so far. The Cowboys have had a strong rushing attack, something which has helped them rank sixth in the league in points per game, but struggles through the air have the team sitting only 19th in total offense.
In spite of that, Jones confirmed that no consideration has been given to taking play-calling duties away from McCarthy and handing them to new OC Brian Schottenheimer. That represents the latest vote of confidence in McCarthy, who has routinely faced questions about his job security in the wake of postseason disappointments over the past two years. Both he and Prescott have the full backing of Jones moving forward.
“I’m saying that it’s capable of being there,” the latter added when asked further about the offense. “Since Kellen Moore left, have we gotten this team in a place that can do better than we did against the 49ers? You bet we have. Should we change at this juncture back to where we were last year? No, we should not.”
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 10/12/23
Today’s practice squad moves:
Dallas Cowboys
- Signed: LB Rashaan Evans (story)
Philadelphia Eagles
- Signed: LB Brandon Smith
Seattle Seahawks
- Signed: QB Holton Ahlers
- Released: S Teez Tabor
The Seahawks are bringing Holton Ahlers back to their squad after the UDFA spent the preseason with the organization. Ahlers had a standout 2022 campaign at East Carolina, completing 67.2 percent of his passes while tossing 28 touchdowns vs. five interceptions. He’ll be taking the taxi-squad spot previously held by Teez Tabor, who already earned one promotion to the active roster in 2023.
Minor NFL Transactions: 10/12/23
Today’s minor transactions:
Arizona Cardinals
- Designated to return: LB Myjai Sanders
Dallas Cowboys
- Signed to active roster: TE Sean McKeon
- Placed on IR: TE Peyton Hendershot
- Designated to return: CB Nahshon Wright
Denver Broncos
- Promoted: WR Lil’Jordan Humphrey, NT Tyler Lancaster
Philadelphia Eagles
- Promoted: P Braden Mann
Peyton Hendershot will miss at least the next four games while he continues to recover from an ankle injury. The tight end already missed a pair of contests thanks to the injury, with the second-year player hauling in a single catch before that. Sean McKeon will be taking the open spot on the roster. The 25-year-old has spent the past three-plus seasons in Dallas, hauling in six catches in 38 games.
Cowboys To Move Leighton Vander Esch To IR
OCTOBER 12: The Cowboys will follow through on the expected transaction. Vander Esch is heading to IR, McCarthy confirmed Thursday. Expected to be out at least a month with a neck strain, Vander Esch will rehab while off the team’s 53-man roster.
OCTOBER 9: Leighton Vander Esch‘s history with neck trouble affected him during his rookie-contract years in Dallas and impacted his potential for a lucrative extension. Months after re-signing with the team on a two-year deal, the veteran linebacker has run into another neck issue.
A collision with teammate Micah Parsons in the second half of the Cowboys’ loss to the 49ers is expected to lead to a Vander Esch absence. The Cowboys are likely to move the former first-round pick to IR, Mike McCarthy said Monday (via ESPN’s Todd Archer). Vander Esch is expected to miss four to six weeks with a neck strain, according to the Dallas Morning News’ Calvin Watkins.
An IR move would sideline Vander Esch until at least Week 11; the Cowboys have their bye in Week 6. Vander Esch, 27, saw neck injuries sidetrack his career. The first of those came in 2019, when the 2018 first-rounder missed seven games. He then missed three because of neck trouble last season.
The Cowboys gave Vander Esch a two-year, $8MM deal in March. He played the 2022 season on a one-year, $2MM pact. After a breakthrough rookie season, this did not appear the path Vander Esch’s career would go. The Boise State product soared to second-team All-Pro honors after a 140-tackle season that included two interceptions and seven passes defensed. Vander Esch played a lead role in Dallas rallying back to win the NFC East in 2018, but he fell off the extension radar due to injuries.
Dallas declined his fifth-year option in 2021, and while the parties have since agreed to two more contracts, neither checks in as an especially lucrative deal for the once-promising prospect. Still, Vander Esch rallied back in 2022 and logged his most defensive snaps (746) since his impact rookie year. While the Cowboys disbanded their multiyear LVE-Jaylon Smith pair two years ago, they have still kept the younger linebacker in their plans. For the time being, however, Vander Esch will drift out of the picture.
The team is looking into a veteran addition, per the Dallas Morning News’ Michael Gehlken. Dan Quinn also offered an interesting potential solution for a Vander Esch absence. The third-year Dallas DC said an extended hiatus could lead to Micah Parsons spending more time at linebacker, The Athletic’s Jon Machota tweets. Drafted as a linebacker, Parsons quickly graduated to pass-rushing star. The Cowboys have refrained from labeling the impact defender a pure defensive end, but Parsons spends most of his time rushing from the edge.
A move back to the second level would be an interesting development for this defense, given the value Parsons has generated up front. The Penn State product did play more ILB as a rookie, and the Cowboys will soon be thinner at that position. Dallas also is much deeper along its D-line, rostering the likes of Dorance Armstrong, Dante Fowler and Sam Williams as auxiliary edge rushers. Conversely, the team has an issue at linebacker.
Opting not to re-sign Anthony Barr, the Cowboys moved 2022 Day 3 draftee Damone Clark into their starting lineup. They drafted Demarvion Overshown in Round 3 but lost the rookie to a torn ACL this summer. The team waived Jabril Cox in August. Dallas rosters just one more ILB on its 53-man roster, second-year UDFA Markquese Bell. The team will need to add at that position soon.
In addition to Vander Esch’s setback, the Cowboys lost veteran special-teamer C.J. Goodwin — likely for the rest of the season. Goodwin suffered a torn pectoral muscle, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com tweets. The Cowboys re-signed Goodwin in March, giving him a veteran-minimum deal. Goodwin, 33, has been with the Cowboys since 2018.