Cowboys get big boost on defense right before Monday Night matchup, send rookie to IR, and more

Hours before their Monday Night Football matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, the Dallas Cowboys announced their practice squad elevation and other roster moves, including sending a rookie to Injured Reserve.

Below is every move they made before the primetime matchup.

Cowboys elevate RB Malik Davis to gameday roster after waiving him

The Cowboys are bringing back Davis to the gameday roster after having waived him last week. Davis, who started the season in the practice squad, was elevated the maximum two times per season before Dallas was required to sign him to the 53-man roster in order to avoid having to waive him. Instead of securing him by keeping him on the 53-man roster, the front office ended up waiving him last week. It was a risky move as any other NFL team could've claimed him but it paid off for Dallas. He cleared waivers and was re-signed to the Cowboys practice squad.

Now, Dallas cashes in on the bet by getting to elevate him again. Chances are he will be active over fifth-round rookie Jaydon Blue.

NFL rules allow teams to temporarily elevate players from their 17-man practice squad to their 48-player gameday roster. Each player can be elevated up to two times before the team is required to waive him or sign him to the 53-man roster.

Cowboys activate Malik Hooker

Though it isn't a surprise, the Cowboys made Hooker's return official. The starting safety is returning from injury after a stint on Injured Reserve. Though his play was far from perfect pre-injury, Hooker was recently described as a quarterback on defense. His presence on the field could go a long way in improving communication in the backend. Backup Juanyeh Thomas was placed on IR earlier in the month.

Monday night is trending toward being the first time Hooker and Donovan Wilson share the field since Week 4's tie to the Green Bay Packers.

Rookie OT Ajani Cornelius placed on IR

While Hooker returns, rookie tackle Ajani Cornelius is being placed on IR. Cornelius has been the third backup offensive tackle for the team and has been a healthy scratch most of the year.

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This story was originally reported by A to Z Sports on Nov 17, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add A to Z Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.