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Cowboys Announce Roster Decision After Unfortunate News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Nov 12, 2025 5:42 PM ET

Brian Schottenheimer’s first season as head coach of the Dallas Cowboys (3-5-1) hasn’t gone as planned. Coming off a Week 10 bye, the Cowboys will look to get back on track in Week 11 when they face the Las Vegas Raiders on the road. Dallas will also try to snap a two-game losing streak following defeats to the Denver Broncos and Arizona Cardinals.

The Cowboys’ biggest weakness this season has been their defense, which is allowing 397.4 yards per game, the second-worst mark in the NFL. However, Schottenheimer’s squad received major reinforcements at the trade deadline, acquiring defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and linebacker Logan Wilson. Even linebacker DeMarvion Overshown is expected to make his season debut after missing the first nine games while recovering from a serious knee injury suffered in 2024.

Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer against the Philadelphia EaglesEric Hartline-Imagn Images

Despite the good news the Cowboys received during their bye week, they were also dealt a setback as safety Juanyeh Thomas was placed on the reserve/non-football illness list because of migraines. Thomas has been a key part of Dallas’ defense over the past three seasons, but missed two games in October due to the issue before returning against Arizona. Now, he will be forced to sit out for at least the next four games.

And on Tuesday, the Cowboys also lost an offensive lineman when the Broncos signed tackle Geron Christian off Dallas’ practice squad to their 53-man roster. In light of the situation, the Cowboys have signed tackle Marcellus Johnson to their practice squad.

Johnson, a former Missouri Tigers star, went undrafted in 2024 before joining the New York Giants. He has bounced around the league over the last two seasons, spending the majority of his time on practice squads.

"The @dallascowboys signed OT Marcellus Johnson to the practice squad on Wednesday," Dallas Cowboys Public Relations wrote on X. "The club also placed S Juanyeh Thomas on Reserve/Non-Football Illness."

The @dallascowboys signed OT Marcellus Johnson to the practice squad on Wednesday.

The club also placed S Juanyeh Thomas on Reserve/Non-Football Illness.
— Dallas Cowboys Public Relations (@DallasCowboysPR) November 12, 2025