The Dallas Cowboys placed offensive lineman Matt Waletzko and cornerback Nahshon Wright on injured reserve this week, which means the two rotational pieces will have to miss at least the first four games of the 2023 season.
Waletzko has been providing backup assistance at multiple spots on the offensive line since the team drafted him in the fifth round in 2022. He suffered a shoulder subluxation, which is a similar injury to the one that kept him sidelined for most games last season.
Meanwhile, Wright suffered a high-ankle sprain in the preseason game versus Jacksonville. He had two tackles before making his exit.
Prior to his injury, Wright was the No. 2 cornerback behind Trevon Diggs. He’s in his third year for Dallas after the team drafted him with the No. 99 pick in the third round in 2021.
The Oregon State alum posted 23 tackles in seven games last season with one interception. As a rookie, Wright had nine tackles in 13 appearances. He is currently playing on a four-year deal for $4.78 million.
Prior to the 53-man deadline, the Cowboys also placed offensive lineman Josh Ball on injured reserve. However, because he went on the list before the deadline, he’ll miss the season, unlike Waletzko and Wright.
Rookies linebacker DeMarvion Overshown and wide receiver David Durden also went on IR before the deadline after tearing their ACLs at the end of the preseason.
Cowboys re-sign 14 for practice squad
Dallas re-signed 14 of their waived players to the practice squad this week. Some went through all of training camp with Dallas and got the opportunity to impress head coach Mike McCarthy. While it wasn’t enough to make the 53-man for Week 1 against the New York Giants, it was enough to stay on with the team.
- Offensive tackle Earl Bostick
- Cornerback Josh Butler
- Wide receiver Jalen Cropper
- Running back Malik Davis
- Tight end Princeton Fant
- Cornerback C.J. Goodwin
- Center Brock Hoffman
- Linebacker Malik Jefferson
- Defensive end Durrell Johnson
- Wide receiver Tyron Johnson
- Tight end Sean McKeon
- Defensive back Sheldrick Redwine
- Offensive tackle Alex Taylor-Prioleau
- Defenisve end Tyrus Wheat
There were a couple of guys Dallas attempted to bring onto the practice squad but ultimately chose to sign elsewhere. Linebacker Jabril Cox opted to stay in the NFC East but with the Washington Commanders. A former Cowboys draft pick will now be heading to the nation’s capital.
And then there is Isaiah Land, the rookie out of Florida A&M. Indianapolis was able to pick him up as Land will feature on the Colts’ practice squad.
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