Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus on the sideline during the first quarter at AT&T Stadium. Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

Matt Eberflus announces changes to Cowboys' starting linebackers rotation

Originally posted on Dallas Cowboys on SI
By Josh Sanchez | Last updated Oct 9, 2025 1:12 PM ET

The Dallas Cowboys are gearing up for a Week 6 showdown with the Carolina Panthers as the NFL season resumes, and they're hoping to see some improvement from the defensive unit.

Dallas' defense has been a rough watch through the first five weeks of the season, but some changes are on the way.

The changes, which fans have been calling for, appear to be happening due to injury. According to defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, Jack Sanborn is still in concussion protocol.

As a result, there will be a minor shuffle to the linebacking corps, which includes Kenneth Murray moving inside and rookie Shemar James getting more opportunity.

Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Eberflus reportedly revealed the information after the team's Thursday morning session.

"In his opening statement, #Cowboys DC Matt Eberflus says that with Jack Sanborn in concussion protocol, Kenneth Murray will move inside as he has on passing downs, but now also on run downs. Rookie Shemar James will also be a piece of the rotation, and they're excited about him," Tommy Yarrish of the team's official websote wrote.

In his opening statement, #Cowboys DC Matt Eberflus says that with Jack Sanborn in concussion protocol, Kenneth Murray will move inside as he has on passing downs, but now also on run downs. Rookie Shemar James will also be a piece of the rotation, and they're excited about him. pic.twitter.com/wxgCLwbClE
— Tommy Yarrish (@tommy_yarrish) October 9, 2025