One second stopped the Dallas Cowboys from pulling off a season-changing upset against the Green Bay Packers in Week 4. Instead, they tied, bringing their record to 1-2-1, and setting the stage for a critical game in Week 5.
America’s Team is headed north to play the Jets, and the severity of their injury report has completely changed what should have been an easy game.
For the Jets, they are desperate for a win at 0-4, at home, and they get to reap the benefits of the Cowboys’ wounded roster. It doesn’t take a football genius to see how this could quickly turn into trouble for Dallas.
Preventing that outcome will fall on the shoulders of the obvious suspects, but considering those injury troubles, we’ll also see some fresh faces with a lot on their plates.
With that in mind, let’s take a quick look at the five Dallas Cowboys players with the most to gain as they take on new roles against the Jets.
1. Nate Thomas: Impressive Young Tackle’s Chance To Shine
If you’ve been paying close attention, you know that former seventh-round pick Nate Thomas has been thoroughly impressive at tackle.
Even dating back to his rookie campaign in 2024, Thomas was receiving high praise from the coaching staff. Now, there’s talk of him becoming a starter if he uses Tyler Guyton’s absence to his advantage.
Might be time to have a Nate Thomas conversation. I think he might be one of your best 3 tackles and I don't think he is 3rd.
— Bob Sturm (@SportsSturm) September 30, 2025
Thomas will be protecting Dak Prescott’s blindside tomorrow for four quarters; all eyes will be on him, for better or for worse.
He has so much to gain, and also to lose with this opportunity. If Thomas continues the strong play we have seen in limited doses, get ready for his hype train to leave the station.
2. Juanyeh Thomas: Second Career Start For High-Energy Safety
First arriving in Dallas in 2022 as an undrafted free agent, safety Juanyeh Thomas has been a fan favorite since his debut in 2023. Now, he’s set to make just his second career start with Malik Hooker going on IR.
Thomas, 25, has been a high-energy player for Dallas for his entire tenure. These next few games are his chance to show he is more than that.
If he can continue making his impact felt, but in larger doses, we may see him become the Cowboys’ long-term answer at free safety. At 29, Hooker is not getting any younger.
It will be fun to watch Thomas take the field with the starting crew tomorrow, and it’ll be even more fun if he balls out.
3. Jalen Tolbert: Connection With Prescott Growing In Lamb’s Absence
Despite his 2024 success, fans have been down and out on Jalen Tolbert’s stock for months. It’s a bit early to say for sure, but that tide may have started to turn in Week 4.
The former South Alabama star played like he used to in Mobile, Alabama, for the Jaguars.
Reeling in four catches for 66 yards, Tolbert was second to George Pickens in receiving yards against Green Bay, and his spectacular sideline grab may have been the play of the entire night.
As CeeDee Lamb continues to miss games, and KaVontae Turpin is absent for his first game this week, we may see Tolbert and his connection with Prescott grow.
4. James Houston: Increased Snaps As Veteran Keeps Rolling
It’s easy to spot a career revival when you see it, and that is what the Dallas Cowboys have in pass-rusher James Houston.
Originally a key Lions contributor as a late-round selection, injuries and a lack of opportunities started an early career downfall for Houston. Now, he’s back, and potentially better than ever with Dallas, and the coaching staff has noticed.
Cowboys DE James Houston leads the team in sacks and pass rush win rate through four weeks pic.twitter.com/kfnokhfYBO
— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisFWST) October 3, 2025
It was made clear this week that Houston would finally see an increase in snaps, and I can’t wait to see how he responds.
Houston seems to make plays every time he is on the field, and they need that to continue with Justin Fields set to run all over this weak Cowboys defense.
5. Jaydon Blue: NFL Debut Will Have Coaching Staff Watching
For a late-round pick, former Longhorns running back Jaydon Blue sure has had a lot of hype in his young career, and it’s for good reason.
His game-breaking speed and sky-high potential bring an element to the Cowboys’ rushing attack that they could use immediately, even with the reemergence of Javonte Williams.
Blue can complement Williams’ hard-running style, and he showed some impressive strength in his own right this preseason.
Now, we’re set to see it when it matters, and the eyes of the entire offensive staff will be on him.
