Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Cowboys Rookies keep contributing in late 2025 run

Originally posted on Inside The Star
By Richard Paolinelli | Last updated Dec 3, 2025 8:44 AM ET

Unlike the week before, the Dallas Cowboys didn’t have a rookie making the play of the game on Thanksgiving Day. But the six rookies that saw the field still played a solid game in the win.

At the end of the day, that’s really all the Cowboys need from their rookie class.

Three of the nine active rookies did not suit up on Thursday, one remains on IR, and four others are on the practice squad.

Only one draft pick from last April is not currently on the roster. Defensive tackle Tommy Akingbesote was cut before the season began.

Here’s how the rookies fared on Thursday:

Tyler Booker (OG)

Tyler Booker, the first round pick, played all 72 offensive snaps and another five (18%) on special teams. He had a solid game in both pass protection and run booking.

More importantly, he wasn’t flagged in the game.

Four days earlier, against the Eagles, he drew two holding flags.

Donovan Ezeiruaku (DE)

Getting his fourth-straight start, second-round selection, Donovan Ezeiruaku collected two tackles and one quarterback hit. He played in 40 defensive snaps (61%) in the game.

Shavon Revel Jr. (CB)

The third-round pick, Revel, made his first career NFL start against Kansas City. He played 63 snaps on defense (95%) after missing a few plays with an injury.

He finished with six tackles.

Jaydon Blue (RB)

The first of the Cowboys picks in the fifth round, Jaydon Blue, was not active on Thursday. With Malik Davis playing, and scoring long touchdowns, Blue may not see the field again in 2025.

Shemar James (LB)

The other fifth round pick, Shemar James, had three tackles in just 12 defensive snaps (18%) and another 19 (68%) on special teams.

Ajani Cornelius (OL)

Ajani Cornelius, the sixth round pick, did not suit up in Thursday’s game.

Jay Toia (DT)

A seventh-round selection, Jay Toia, was not in uniform for Thursday’s win.

Trikweze Bridges (DB)

A seventh-round selection by the Chargers before Dallas traded for him, Trikweze Bridges, had three tackles on 27 (41%) defensive snaps and another four (14%) on special teams.

Alijah Clark (CB)

An undrafted free agent, Alijah Clark, had one tackle in 19 special teams snaps (68%) one week after making a game-changing tackle on special teams against the Eagles.