The Dallas Cowboys made six roster moves on Saturday as they prepared to face the San Francisco 49ers in Week 10. The changes bring reinforcements to several positions, while ending defensive end Tyrus Wheat’s second stint with the team after just eight months.
Wheat joined Dallas as an undrafted free agent in 2023 and appeared in 12 games during his first NFL season. He played in eight games for the Cowboys in 2024 before spending the 2025 season with Detroit, where he appeared in 15 games and recorded 1.5 sacks. Dallas brought him back in March 2026 to add depth at defensive end and provide another option on special teams.
That return did not lead to a regular role in the defense. Before the Cowboys released him, Wheat had played 21 defensive snaps and 83 special-teams plays this season. His departure opens a roster spot at outside linebacker, a position where Dallas has dealt with injuries. Malachi Lawrence went on injured reserve on November 7, while Marist Liufau has returned from injured reserve.
The six moves also included placing running back Tyler Goodson on injured reserve. Goodson sustained knee and ankle injuries, meaning he will miss at least four games. His absence leaves Dallas with another decision to make behind starting running back Javonte Williams.
The Cowboys added running back Israel Abanikanda as an option for the San Francisco game. They also elevated cornerback Derion Kendrick, while tight end James Mitchell was signed from the practice squad. Mitchell’s addition comes with Jake Ferguson unavailable for Sunday’s matchup.
Kendrick’s elevation gives Dallas another option in the secondary, where DaRon Bland and Joey Porter Jr. are dealing with injury concerns. The Cowboys have already made a significant addition to that unit by trading for Porter from Pittsburgh.
Defensive tackle Jonathan Bullard also returned to the active roster after recovering from a calf injury. Together, the moves reflect the Cowboys’ effort to adjust the roster as they manage injuries and prepare for a difficult opponent.
Head coach Brian Schottenheimer had previously indicated that changes were coming. “There’ll be some roster adjustments you guys will see. Some will be more noticeable than others, and some will be subtle as you look at it,” he said in October.
The timing is important for Dallas. The Cowboys entered the weekend with a 4-5 record, while San Francisco stood at 7-1. The 49ers have been productive on both sides of the ball: through Week 10, they ranked third in the NFL in scoring offense and third in total defense.
Dallas has been strong offensively, ranking sixth in scoring with an average of 27.3 points per game. Its defense, however, has allowed 372.7 yards per game, ranking 30th in the league. The Cowboys’ run defense has had particular difficulty, ranking 31st after giving up an average of 147.4 rushing yards per game.
Dallas has made other changes in an effort to address those defensive problems. The trade for Porter added another cornerback, and veteran assistant Mike Pettine joined the staff to help with the defense. The latest roster moves add further adjustments as the Cowboys prepare to face one of the league’s strongest teams.
With Goodson unavailable, Dallas will need to account for the loss of a running back behind Williams. Mitchell’s addition provides depth at tight end, while Bullard’s return bolsters the defensive line. Kendrick’s elevation gives the secondary another available player amid injury concerns, and Wheat’s release creates room for the team to manage its roster needs.
