As has been expected throughout the week, the Dallas Cowboys are going to be down a wide receiver against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Also as expected, it's going to be a while before Brandin Cooks returns. Already struggling to contribute to the offense with just nine catches for 91 yards in four games, Cooks stayed behind from the team's road trip in Week 4 against the Giants. He wanted to get his knee checked out in New York and ended up catching an infection, which has resulted in the team placing him on IR ahead of Week 5.
His absence is expected to open the door for rookie WR Ryan Flournoy to join the active roster and get his first crack at impressing with Dak Prescott as his quarterback. In a related move the club added LB Nick Vigil, who was elevated the first three weeks of the season from the practice squad and thus out of eligibility, to the main roster. To round out their roster moves ahead of the contest, Dallas elevated DE Carl Lawson for the third time and CB Amani Oruwariye.
Oruwariye made the game-clinching interception of Daniel Jones in Week 4. Lawson is a no brainer with Micah Parsons already ruled out and DeMarcus Lawrence going to IR earlier in the week; both results of injuries suffered in the short-rest Thursday contest.
The changes put quite a spin on the 55-man roster ahead of Sunday's announement of gameday inactives. Check out the full roster below.
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 11: Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys throws before a preseason game the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on August 11, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Dak PrescottCooper RushTrey Lance
Running Backs (4)
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 11: Ezekiel Elliott #15 of the Dallas Cowboys after a preseason game at SoFi Stadium on August 11, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Dec 24, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson (87) runs with the football against the Miami Dolphins during the first quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
Jake FergusonLuke SchoonmakerJohn Stephens, Jr. (questionable - hamstring)Brevyn Spann-Ford
Wide Receivers (5)
OXNARD, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 8: Wide receiver Brandin Cooks #3 of the Dallas Cowboys is tackled by cornerback Cobie Durant #14 of the Los Angeles Rams after making a catch during joint practice at training camp on August 8, 2024 in Oxnard, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
OXNARD, CALIFORNIA - JULY 30: Offensive tackle Tyler Guyton #60 of the Dallas Cowboys stretches during training camp on July 30, 2024 in Oxnard, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Jun 4, 2024; Frisco, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys guard Zack Martin (70) runs through a drill during practice at the Ford Center at the Star Training Facility in Frisco, Texas. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Zack MartinTyler SmithTJ Bass
Centers (2)
OXNARD, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 8: Defensive tackle Kobie Turner #91 of the Los Angeles Rams locks up with center Brock Hoffman #67 of the Dallas Cowboys during a skirmish between the two teams during joint practice at training camp on August 8, 2024 in Oxnard, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Cooper BeebeBrock Hoffman
Defensive Ends (6)
Jul 30, 2024; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (90) and linebacker Micah Parsons (11) during training camp at the River Ridge Playing Fields in Oxnard, California. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports
OXNARD, CALIFORNIA - JULY 30: Linebacker Micah Parsons #11 and defensive tackle Mazi Smith #58 of the Dallas Cowboys throw punches aa they jokingly spar prior to a training session on July 30, 2024 in Oxnard, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Osa OdighizuwaMazi SmithLinval JosephCarlos Watkins
Linebackers (6)
Jul 27, 2023; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarvion Overshown (35) wears a Guardian helmet cap during training camp at Marriott Residence Inn-River Ridge Playing Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Eric KendricksDeMarvion OvershownDamone ClarkMarist LiufauBuddy JohnsonNick Vigil
Cornerbacks (6)
Oct 2, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland (26) and cornerback Trevon Diggs (7) celebrate after Diggs intercepts a pass against the Washington Commanders during the game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
OXNARD, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 8: Running back Kyren Williams #23 of the Los Angeles Rams rushes against safety Malik Hooker #28 and Donovan Wilson #6 of the Dallas Cowboys during joint practice at training camp on August 8, 2024 in Oxnard, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Malik HookerDonovan WilsonJuanyeh ThomasMarkquese Bell
Special Teams (4)
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 11: Brandon Aubrey #17 of the Dallas Cowboys watches his field goal with Bryan Anger #5, to take a 12-6 lead over the Los Angeles Rams, in a 13-12 Rams win during a preseason game at SoFi Stadium on August 11, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
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