Dallas Cowboys elevate two practice squad players ahead of opener vs. Eagles

Just hours before Thursday night’s opener against the Philadelphia Eagles, the Dallas Cowboys put together a couple of roster moves. Two players are coming up from the practice squad — one on each side of the ball. Both guys are expected to be active and available to play.

“The Cowboys have elevated WR Ryan Flournoy and LB Buddy Johnson from the practice squad for tonight’s game at Philadelphia,” Jon Machota of The Athletic said via X.

Flournoy is a former sixth-round pick of the Cowboys in the 2024 NFL Draft. Eleven games as a rookie were a positive under head coach Mike McCarthy, even earning one start. Some solid production, considering his role, came too. Ten catches resulted in five first downs, helping Dallas move the ball. From a yardage standpoint, Flournoy got to 102 yards.

Johnson has a little more experience under his belt. This will be his third year inside the Cowboys organization after originally being selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Last season saw him significantly contribute on special teams, playing 83% of snaps. While Johnson is a linebacker, only five defensive snaps were thrown his way.

For the time being, no other roster moves have been announced by the Cowboys. Clearly, Flournoy and Johnson were on the team plane up from Dallas to Philadelphia. The Cowboys will be hoping their star players at wide receiver and linebacker wind up making massive plays against the Eagles. But worst-case scenario, Flournoy and Johnson will be ready for action.

Kick-off from Lincoln Financial Field is scheduled for 8:20 p.m. ET. The Eagles will unveil last year’s Super Bowl banner before the game, whether or not head coach Nick Sirianni is aware of the ceremony.

Former Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy reacts to Micah Parsons trade

Former Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy has broken his silence on the team trading Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers. While appearing on The Pat McAfee Show on Thursday, McCarthy was asked about his reaction when he learned that Parsons is no longer with the Cowboys.

McCarthy said he met with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones in June and they talked about Parsons. McCarthy thought he got the message clear from Jones.

“He felt that him and Micah had a deal,” McCarthy said. “He’s earned that. …From a performance perspective, Micah Parsons earned his contract. There’s no question about that.”

On3’s Brian Jones contributed to this report