Cowboys’ rookie made the most out of rare start

After starting four straight games earlier this year, Dallas Cowboys rookie linebacker Shemar James had been coming in off the bench for six weeks.

In Thursday’s game against Washington, Logan Wilson was benched and James got his fifth start of the year.

He responded by tying for the team high in tackles with six in the Cowboys win. Maybe that was why calls were being made for him to start?

James was on the field for 36 defensive snaps (82%) and another six (21%) on special teams.

It remains to be seen if Wilson will stay in the doghouse, opening the way for James, the fifth round pick in April, to start once again.

He might be in a position to make his case as a starter next to DeMarvion Overshown in 2026. Neither Wilson nor Kenneth Murray have shown they should be starting.

This year, or next, for that matter.

Here’s how the rest of the rookies did in the Christmas Day victory.

Tyler Booker (OG)

The first round pick, Tyler Booker, was on the field for all 92 offensive snaps and seven (24%) on special teams. Booker ended his streak of clean games at four however.

He was flagged for unnecessary roughness in the first quarter.

Donovan Ezeiruaku (DE)

The second round pick, Donovan Ezeiruaku, had 26 snaps (59%) on defense. He finished with just one tackle.

Shavon Revel Jr. (CB)

The third round pick, Shavon Revel Jr., played on 42 snaps (95%) and tied James in tackles with six.

He defended one pass. However, he continues to get burned by opposing receivers.

He’s been targeted 38 times this year and has yielded 28 completions for 331 yards and three touchdowns.

Jaydon Blue (RB)

The other fifth round selection, Jaydon Blue, was inactive.

Ajani Cornelius (OL)

The sixth round selection, Ajani Cornelius, was inactive.

Jay Toia (DT)

The seventh round selection, Jay Toia, was inactive.

Trikweze Bridges (DB)

The seventh round pick of the Chargers, traded to Dallas before the season began, Trikweze Bridges saw just two snaps on defense (5%) and 15 on special teams (52%).

He failed to record a single stat.

Alijah Clark (CB)

The Undrafted Free Agent, Alijah Clark, had one tackle in 18 special teams snaps (62%).

On Injured Reserve

Phil Mafah (RB)

On The Practice Squad

Traeshon Holden (WR)

Rivaldo Fairweather (TE)

Justin Barron (LB)

Zion Childress (DB)

Gone But Not Forgotten

Tommy Akingbesote (DT) – The Cowboys final pick in the seventh round back in April was cut just prior to the start of the regular season.