The Cowboys signed defensive tackle Richard Ash off of the Jacksonville Jaguars’ practice squad today. Dallas will need to make a roster move to create space for him, and one local reporter has suggested what it could be.
New Cowboys DL Richard Ash will probably take the active roster spot of DL Ryan Davis, who is likely headed to IR with his knee injury.
— Brandon George (@DMN_George) December 28, 2016
Listed at 6’3″ and 333 lbs., Ash would be the largest defensive lineman on the Cowboys roster. They likely need him for interior support as starters Terrell McClain and Cedric Thornton are both dealing with injuries.
Ash appeared in one game for the Jaguars this year and recorded four tackles. He has been with Jacksonville for two seasons, on and off the practice squad, since going undrafted in 2015. His last year in college was with the Western Michigan Broncos.
Ryan Davis, also a former Jaguar, was signed in Week 2 and has appeared in nine games for the Cowboys. Once a solid pass rusher, Davis has not recorded a sack with Dallas but also has been battling with his knee issue much of the year.
It is likely that this is just a one-week stop for Ash. Dallas is expecting to get Terrell McClain, Cedric Thornton, and DeMarcus Lawrence back for their first playoff game. Also, they will need to open a roster spot next week if they want to bring La’el Collins back from Injured Reserve.
With Dallas likely resting starters this week against the Philadelphia Eagles, Richard Ash should be active. The Cowboys are the best ratings draw in sports right now, so hopefully Ash has a good game and gets some attention for it.
