Cowboys Activate Veteran Defensive Lineman Ahead of 49ers Matchup

The Dallas Cowboys are making several roster adjustments before their important Week 10 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. With multiple players dealing with injuries, Dallas is bringing back a veteran defensive lineman while making changes at running back and tight end.

The Cowboys announced Saturday that defensive tackle Jonathan Bullard has been activated from injured reserve to the 53-man roster. The team also placed running back Tyler Goodson on injured reserve, signed tight end James Mitchell from the practice squad and elevated running back Israel Abanikanda and cornerback Derion Kendrick.

Jonathan Bullard returns  Cowboys’ defensive line

Bullard’s activation is an important development for a Dallas defense that needs more consistency along the defensive front. The veteran defensive tackle has been working his way back from a calf injury after being placed on injured reserve in late September.

The Cowboys opened Bullard’s 21-day practice window on Oct. 29, giving him an opportunity to work toward returning to the active roster. Dallas has now officially made that move, adding a 10-year veteran to its defensive line rotation.

His experience could be valuable against a San Francisco offense that features Christian McCaffrey and a strong group of offensive playmakers. The Cowboys have struggled to consistently stop the run this season, so adding another defensive lineman gives them another option as they prepare for the challenge.

Dallas also waived outside linebacker Tyrus Wheat to create room for Bullard on the roster.

Tyler Goodson placed on injured reserve 

The Cowboys also suffered a setback at running back with Goodson being placed on injured reserve because of a knee injury.

Goodson had an encouraging performance against Indianapolis, rushing for 77 yards on 12 carries as the change-of-pace option behind starter Javonte Williams. His ability to provide a different look in the backfield gave Dallas another productive option against the Colts.

With Goodson unavailable for at least the next four games, the Cowboys elevated Abanikanda from the practice squad to provide additional depth at the position.

Abanikanda will have an opportunity to contribute behind Williams, who rushed for 101 yards against Indianapolis. Dallas will need its running game to remain productive against a San Francisco defense that has been particularly effective at limiting opposing rushing attacks.

The Cowboys also moved Mitchell from the practice squad to the active roster. His promotion provides additional depth at tight end with Jake Ferguson ruled out for Sunday’s matchup.

Cowboys address decimate secondary injuries before 49ers game 

Dallas also needed to make an adjustment in the secondary, elevating Kendrick from the practice squad.

The move comes at an important time because the Cowboys have several defensive backs dealing with injuries. Joey Porter Jr. and DaRon Bland are both questionable, while safety P.J. Locke has been ruled out with a concussion. Juanyeh Thomas is doubtful with a hamstring injury, and Alijah Clark is questionable after dealing with an illness.

Kendrick’s elevation gives Dallas another cornerback option in case Porter or Bland cannot play. Porter returned to limited practice Friday after missing the previous game, but his availability remains uncertain.

The secondary will have a difficult assignment against Brock Purdy and the 49ers’ offensive weapons. San Francisco also gets Deebo Samuel back after he missed the previous three games, although Mike Evans has been ruled out.

Dallas is entering a critical matchup with several personnel questions still unresolved. Bullard’s return provides a boost to the defensive line, but losing Goodson and potentially being shorthanded in the secondary creates additional challenges.