The Dallas Cowboys made six roster moves on Saturday as they prepared to host the San Francisco 49ers at AT&T Stadium on Sunday. At 4-5, Dallas faces a 7-1 opponent while managing injuries across its running back, tight end, defensive line and secondary groups.
Running back Tyler Goodson is headed to injured reserve, and outside linebacker Tyrus Wheat has been waived. Defensive tackle Jonathan Bullard has returned from injured reserve, while tight end James Mitchell has been added to the active roster. Running back Israel Abanikanda and cornerback Derion Kendrick have also been called up.
Goodson’s injury is a significant loss. He hurt his knee and ankle during Dallas’ 27-23 win over the Indianapolis Colts and will miss at least four games while on injured reserve. He rushed for a career-high 77 yards in that game and also contributed as a kickoff returner, leaving the Cowboys without a player who had responsibilities in two areas.
Head coach Brian Schottenheimer acknowledged the impact of the injury.
“I’m not going to pretend that losing Goody doesn’t affect us,” he said.
Abanikanda is set to take on a backup role behind Javonte Williams. The New York Jets selected Abanikanda in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft after his time at Pitt. Dallas signed him to its practice squad last November.
Schottenheimer said Abanikanda is ready to play and praised the running back’s ability to accelerate into open space. With Goodson unavailable, the Cowboys will need the young back to be prepared for an increased opportunity.
Mitchell’s promotion addresses another immediate need. Pro Bowl tight end Jake Ferguson is out, and Schottenheimer said earlier in the week that Ferguson would miss “multiple weeks.” A sprained MCL and PCL have also been reported, though the team has not confirmed those details.
Mitchell has experience in the offense and has already appeared in Dallas’ last two games. He scored on a fumble recovery in the end zone against Arizona. The Detroit Lions selected him in the fifth round in 2022, out of Virginia Tech, and he also played for Carolina last season.
Bullard’s return gives the defensive line a veteran option. The 33-year-old was a third-round pick by the Chicago Bears in 2016 and has also played for the Arizona Cardinals, Minnesota Vikings and New Orleans Saints. Dallas signed him as a free agent this year. He is back after missing time with a calf injury.
Kendrick adds depth at cornerback. The Georgia product grew up in South Carolina as a Cowboys fan and played for the local Rock Hill Cowboys as a child. “Life comes in full circles,” he said when he joined Dallas in March.
The Los Angeles Rams selected Kendrick in the sixth round of the 2022 draft. He also played in Seattle last season and is now reunited with former Georgia teammate George Pickens, who is on the Cowboys’ roster.
Wheat’s departure creates room for the roster changes. He first joined Dallas as an undrafted rookie from Mississippi State in 2023 and returned to the team in March after a stint with Detroit.
One injured player remains unavailable for the secondary: cornerback Devin Moore is still on injured reserve/designated to return and will not play Sunday. The Cowboys will therefore need to rely on available roster and practice-squad options in a position group already dealing with several injuries.
## Cowboys’ Defense Remains Short-Handed
There is better news on offense and at linebacker. Pickens and DeMarvion Overshown are both off the injury report and cleared to play. Pickens had been managing a hamstring issue, while Overshown missed time with hamstring and back problems.
Overshown is also returning after receiving a costly sideline penalty while in street clothes last week. Schottenheimer said he had spoken with the linebacker and emphasized the importance of understanding the rules and putting the team first.
“He received the message. He understands the seriousness of it. And at the end of the day, got to put the team first,” Schottenheimer said. “He knows that, and he’s excited to get back out there and play some football.”
KaVontae Turpin is cleared to return as well. He missed three games with a rib injury.
The secondary remains a concern. Joey Porter Jr. and DaRon Bland are both questionable with ankle injuries, and Porter has already missed a game. Safety Jalen Thompson is on injured reserve with a hamstring injury. Edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku and receiver Jonathan Mingo are also out with ankle injuries.
San Francisco has its own injury concerns. Mike Evans is out with an Achilles injury, while Trent Williams is among several 49ers listed as questionable.
With multiple players unavailable or uncertain, Dallas will need its roster additions to contribute quickly. The Cowboys have strengthened several position groups, but Sunday’s matchup will test the depth of a team still trying to manage a lengthy injury list.
