The Dallas Cowboys have made six roster moves ahead of their Week 10 game against the San Francisco 49ers. The team announced the transactions on Saturday, Nov. 14, as it prepared to host San Francisco at AT&T Stadium the following day.
The moves affect both sides of the ball and include a placement on injured reserve, a waiver, an activation from injured reserve, a permanent addition to the active roster and two practice squad elevations.
Dallas placed running back Tyler Goodson on Reserve/Injured and waived outside linebacker Tyrus Wheat. The team also activated defensive tackle Jonathan Bullard from Reserve/Injured-DFR, signed tight end James Mitchell to the active roster from the practice squad, and elevated running back Israel Abanikanda and cornerback Derion Kendrick for the game.
## Goodson goes on injured reserve
Goodson’s placement on injured reserve means he will miss at least four games. He sustained knee and ankle injuries during the Cowboys’ Week 9 victory over the Indianapolis Colts. His absence leaves Dallas with one fewer running back available as the team prepares for a difficult matchup.
Abanikanda’s elevation provides additional depth at the position. He is expected to offer support behind starting running back Javonte Williams. The move gives Dallas another option in the backfield for Sunday, though the roster adjustment does not change Williams’ status as the starter.
Wheat’s waiver creates another opening on the Cowboys’ roster. The team did not announce a corresponding replacement for him as part of these transactions.
## Bullard returns to the defensive line
Bullard’s activation gives Dallas another defensive line option after he recovered from a calf injury. His return comes as the Cowboys prepare to face a 49ers team that entered the matchup with a 7-1 record.
Kendrick was also elevated from the practice squad for the game. His addition gives Dallas another option in the secondary as the defense gets ready to face San Francisco’s offense.
Mitchell, meanwhile, has been signed from the practice squad to the active roster. His promotion provides the Cowboys with an additional tight end after Jake Ferguson was ruled out for Sunday’s contest. Mitchell previously played for the Detroit Lions and had been on Dallas’ practice squad.
The distinction between Mitchell’s signing and the two elevations is notable: Mitchell joins the active roster, while Abanikanda and Kendrick were elevated for the game. Together, the moves give Dallas additional personnel at running back, tight end and cornerback, while Bullard’s activation adds depth to the defensive line.
## Dallas faces a demanding Week 10 test
The Cowboys enter the matchup with a 4-5 record after beating Indianapolis 27-23 in Week 9. Their next opponent, San Francisco, holds a 7-1 record, making Sunday’s game a significant challenge for Dallas.
Dak Prescott and the Cowboys’ offense will need to build on the performance that helped secure the win over the Colts. The roster changes provide extra options, including another running back and a tight end to help cover for Ferguson’s absence.
Dallas’ defense also faces a demanding assignment. The unit ranks 30th in the NFL in yards allowed per game, giving up 372.7. Against one of the NFC’s leading teams, the Cowboys will need to manage their personnel carefully and limit the opportunities available to San Francisco.
The game is an important opportunity for Dallas to improve its position in the NFC East. With Goodson unavailable, Ferguson ruled out and Bullard returning from injury, the six transactions address several immediate roster needs. Whether those changes help the Cowboys respond to the 49ers will be decided on the field at AT&T Stadium.
