Brian Schottenheimer Announces Cowboys Will Have 'Noticeable' Roster Adjustments

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated Oct 13, 2026 1:50 PM ET

Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer is preparing to make some changes amid a rocky start to the 2026 season.

The Cowboys already announced a major coaching move, hiring former Cleveland Browns head coach Mike Pettine as a defensive assistant. Dallas is seeking answers after a jarring Thursday Night Football loss to the then-winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Dallas could also shake up the roster before Sunday night’s game against the Green Bay Packers. Schottenheimer told reporters Monday that he discussed player personnel changes with his staff over the weekend.

“There’ll be some roster adjustments you guys will see. Some will be more noticeable than others, and some will be subtle as you look at it,” Schottenheimer said, per Cowboys team reporter Tommy Yarrish. “It was a very beneficial weekend, I’ll say. A lot of long hours spent, a lot of long conversations, a lot of deep dives where you’re looking at everything from all three units. Came away with a lot of what we would say [are] really good solutions and ideas, and now it’s about implementing.”

Will Cowboys make changes?

Aug 22, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer during the second half against the Atlanta Falcons at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images© Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Schottenheimer doesn’t seem to think the Cowboys can stick to the status quo after a disappointing 2-3 start.

Defense remains a major issue for the Cowboys, who have allowed the NFL’s second-most total yards per game (395.4) this season. Losing to Jalon Daniels, an undrafted rookie quarterback making his second career start, as heavy home favorites marked a low point for America’s Team.

Dallas already made one significant midseason move, acquiring Joey Porter Jr. from the Pittsburgh Steelers. The cornerback played 25 snaps in Week 4’s 34-30 loss to the Houston Texans before missing last Thursday’s game with an illness.

The Cowboys will hope Porter helps a unit that’s allowed 8.3 yards per pass attempt and a league-worst 120.5 quarterback rating. However, they also must tighten up an interior relinquishing an NFL-high 168.4 rushing yards per game.

Schottenheimer could be on the verge of swapping out some struggling players. Fans will see what changes he has in store when the Cowboys play the Packers this Sunday at 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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