After a solid debut the week before against Green Bay, rookie linebacker Shemar James introduced himself to the world in the shadow of league headquarters in the Big Apple on Sunday.
The fifth round pick in last April’s draft had 15 tackles against the Jets in Dallas’ 37-22 victory in New York. That is triple his numbers from the week before against the Packers.
Eight of his tackles were solo at that as James logged a total of 60 defensive snaps (73%) and another 14 (47%) on special teams.
Depending on Jack Sanborn’s concussion status, James could be seeing more playing time in the weeks ahead. Especially if Kenneth Murray continues to underwhelm.
Defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku, the second round pick, had three tackles and two quarterback hits on Justin Fields.
Ezeiruaku was on the field for 46 defensive snaps (56%), which led all five of Dallas’ defensive ends.
He added six more snaps (20%) on special teams.
Two rookies made their NFL regular season debuts on Sunday. One due to necessity, while the other has been highly anticipated since the opening week.
Running back Jaydon Blue, another fifth round pick, was finally activated after four weeks of being a healthy scratch.
Blue had four carries for just seven yards, six of them coming on one carry.
Blue was in for 11 offensive plays (18%) and just three special teams plays (10%).
With the Cowboys’ offensive line looking like a disaster area, tackle Ajani Cornelius was activated. He saw seven snaps and all on special teams on Sunday in his first NFL game.
The Inactives
Offensive guard Tyler Booker was inactive as he deals with a troublesome high ankle sprain. He was replaced in the starting lineup by T.J. Bass.
Defensive tackle Jay Toia was inactive as 2023 first round pick Mazi Smith has earned his way back onto the active roster.
Smith has not regained his starting spot, however. He remains behind Osa Odighizuwa and Kenny Clark.
On The Shelf
Both running back Phil Mafah, a seventh round pick, and defensive back Shavon Revel Jr., a third rounder, remain on the Cowboys’ injured lists. For now at least.
Both potentially could become available to be activated as early as this very week.
Still Waiting Their Turn
These four players, all undrafted free agents, remain on the practice squad at this time:
- Traeshon Holden (WR)
- Rivaldo Fairweather (TE)
- Justin Barron (LB)
- Alijah Clark (CB)
Gone But Not Forgotten
Defensive back Zion Childress, an undrafted free agent, was recently signed off of Dallas’ practice squad by the Houston Texans. He has not seen any action in Houston so far.
Seventh round pick defensive tackle Tommy Akingbesote was cut prior to the regular season and is not on any NFL roster.
I am glad that the Cowboys have retained Holden, Fairweather, Clark and Barron on the practice squad. All are quality players who have been stymied by the numbers game. I still cannot understand how first round bust Mazi Smith has played himself back into the roster as third stringer? Maybe they can trade him at the 4 November trading deadline for a mid round draft pick?