Dallas Cowboys players huddle at training camp at the River Ridge Fields. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Cowboys 53-man roster prediction: Tough cuts happen at RB, WR

Originally posted on Dallas Cowboys on SI
By Randy Gurzi | Last updated Aug 1, 2025 8:00 AM ET

The Dallas Cowboys are one week away from their first preseason game of the year.

On Saturday, August 9, they will face off against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. The two teams will have joint practices prior to that game, which often tells coaches more than any preseason game.

Those practices and the exhibition games all lead up to the selection of the 53-man roster.

While it will be anything but final, here's a look at how the Cowboys' initial roster could look to start the regular season.

Quarterback (2):

Running Back (5):

Wide Receiver (6):

Tight End (3):

Jake Ferguson
Luke Schoonmaker
Brevyn Spann-Ford

Offensive Line (10):

Tyler Guyton
Tyler Smith
Cooper Beebe
Tyler Booker
Terence Steele
Asim Richards
Nate Thomas
Brock Hoffman
T.J. Bass
Saahdiq Charles

Rob Jones (PUP)

Offensive Summary

Miles Sanders had a hot hand early, but he still misses the cut as rookie Phil Mafah edges him out. Javonte Williams is the starter, but don't be surprised to see Jaydon Blue force his way onto the field often.

Wide receiver has some tough cuts, but rookie Traeshon Holden is the sixth player kept, while Ryan Flournoy is let go. That's not an easy choice, but unless Holden stops making plays, it will be impossible to risk him on waivers.

The offensive line will likely have Nate Thomas starting at left tackle to start the season, but Tyler Guyton will be back soon. The Cowboys go deep with 10 players there since injuries are already a major concern.

Defensive Line (9):

Linebacker (5):

DeMarvion Overshown (PUP)

Cornerback (5):

DaRon Bland
Kaiir Elam
Andrew Booth
Troy Pride Jr.
Christian Matthew

Trevon Diggs, Shavon Revel Jr., Josh Butler, Caelen Carson (PUP)

Safety (5):

Malik Hooker
Juanyeh Thomas
Israel Mukuamu
Markquese Bell
Zion Childress

Specialists (3):

Brandon Aubrey
Bryan Anger
Trent Sieg

Defensive Summary

The cornerback spot is an interesting one since four players are still injured. Trevon Diggs, Caelen Carson, and Josh Butler could all be back early in the season, but until that's confirmed, the Cowboys will have to lean on depth pieces with them on the PUP. Shavon Revel Jr. is also on the PUP, but is likely to be out longer than the rest.

One note, C.J. Goodwin is released during the final cuts, but as a vested veteran, he can sign to the practice squad and be activated for game days.

At linebacker, undrafted free agent Justin Barron makes it over Shemar James while fellow UDFA Zion Childress is kept at safety.

This article first appeared on Dallas Cowboys on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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