While the Dallas Cowboys first round pick of 2025, guard Tyler Booker, was sidelined by a high ankle sprain, two defensive rookies stepped up in Sunday’s 40-40 tie with the Packers.
Defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku had 40 defensive snaps (48%) and another 19 (58%) on special teams. He had five tackles, 4 solo, and a tackle for a loss.
Ezeiruaku did have one unnecessary roughness penalty, but that did not cost the Cowboys any points.
Rookie linebacker Shemar James saw his first action of the year and had 26 defensive snaps (31%) and 15 (45%) on special teams. James had five tackles, one solo, and registered one quarterback hit.
While Booker’s absence from the starting lineup may extend beyond this week, Dallas did benefit from a solid outing by its two active defensive rookies.
That still leaves nine others from the 2025 rookie class on the outside looking in.
On The Shelf
I’m not sure what’s keeping fifth-round pick, running back Jaydon Blue, as a healthy scratch. Perhaps Miles Sanders’ foot injury suffered on Sunday will land Blue his first appearance of 2025.
Dallas is a much better team when they can run the ball.
Javonte Williams is going to need some help if Sanders is not 100%. Head Coach Brian Schottenheimer keeps saying Blue is looking better every day.
Maybe it’s time to see what he looks like in a real game?
Offensive lineman Ajani Cornelius and defensive tackle Jay Toia were also healthy scratches on Sunday.
Injured, But Near Return
Both defensive back Shavon Revel Jr. (NFIL) and running back Phil Mafah (IR) could be eligible to return to active status as early as next week.
If Blue is not active against the Jets and/or the Panthers on Oct. 12th, and Sanders is not 100%, Mafah should be back on the field. He was having a strong preseason before he was injured.
As banged up as the Cowboys’ secondary is, Revel’s addition can only help once he’s ready to go.
Still Waiting Their Turn
Like Blue, it’s a head scratcher why Traeshon Holden was not recently called up. After CeeDee Lamb went down, it seemed the logical move.
Instead, Jalen Cropper was called up.
Cropper saw one snap on offense and four on special teams.
Three other rookies remain on the practice squad for Dallas. Rivaldo Fairweather (TE), Justin Barron (LB), and Alijah Clark (CB).
Gone But Not Forgotten
Two rookies, seventh-round pick Tommy Akingbesote (DT) and undrafted free agent Zion Childress (CB), are no longer on the roster.
Akingbesote was cut at the end of the preseason. Childress was recently signed away by the Houston Texans.
