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Cowboys Injury Update: DE Sam Williams OUT

Originally posted on FanNation Cowboy Maven
By Mike Fisher | Last updated 8/31/23

Sam Williams has become a controversial figure of sorts, even as Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones vows that the young defensive end's latest entanglement with law enforcement will not result in an NFL suspension of the Ole Miss product.

And the coaching staff has faith in the pass-rusher as well, with coach Mike McCarthy recently saying, “I believe in Sam Williams. He needs to slow down. And he knows that.”

Williams is indeed "slowed down'' right now as here inside The Star on Thursday, he is in the midst of missing two straight practices with what the team is terming "turf toe.'' The Cowboys say it is not serious, and that is the hope as Dallas prepares for its Week 1 visit to the New York Giants.

Williams, who has talked of a goal of getting 10 sacks this season, will have a tough time reaching that if unhealthy ... or, if the NFL opts to suspend him for his recent arrest on controlled substance and weapon charges.

Before that, he was accused (and later cleared) of a sexual-related misbehavior .. with the Cowboys making him a second-round pick in the 2022 Draft after doing extensive research on his background and his behavior.

Additionally, as a rookie late in the 2022 NFL season, Williams missed a game after he was injured in a car crash. He told a handful of different stories about what occurred, but and he was cited for reckless driving in connection with that crash. ... and for a time there was a warrant out for his arrest (in order, the police later said, simply to "contact him.'')

The Cowboys are also without safety Donovan Wilson, who continues to rehab in the hope of playing at New York. Defensive back Jourdan Lewis, activated from PUP, has also been working this week after his serious foot injury from last October.

Williams figures as part of a Dallas rotation at defensive end, led by Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence, that could be among the best in the NFL. But right now? He's got to deal with the medical staff ... and maybe, with the commissioner's office.