Matt Eberflus makes things clear with a crucial message about new Cowboys DT Kenny Clark ahead of NFL Kickoff vs Eagles

Life moves on without Micah Parsons for the Dallas Cowboys. And according to defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, it's about to move quickly.

As part of the compensation for Parsons, the Green Bay Packers sent the Cowboys defensive tackle Kenny Clark, who immediately upgrades the team's nose tackle spot. Previously, Solomon Thomas was expected to take on the job even though he's played a different position (three-technique) most of his career.

Going into the NFL Kickoff versus the Philadelphia Eagles, Clark's snap count was perceived as a mystery. After all, Clark officially joined the Cowboys under a week away from the team's Week 1 matchup. According to defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, however, that's not a worry at all.

"First of all, (Clark is) very smart as far as for him to pick up the scheme" Eberflus told reporters Monday. "Our scheme [and the Packers' are] very similar schemes—I don’t think it’ll be a problem."

Though Clark played through a foot injury in 2024, he's healthy. If learning the scheme isn't a roadblock, there's no reason not to play him as much as possible. The new Cowboys defender recently said: "30 plays, 50 plays, 20 plays, whatever it is, I'm going to be able to play."

Eberflus added the Cowboys would determine rep counts on Wednesday following a full week of practice.

Eberflus is excited about having Clark in Dallas

The Cowboys' stance is the Parsons trade that brought Clark into the building was a move with "unanimous" support in the building. Understandably, fans and even media members have questioned the veracity of it. Nevertheless, Eberflus is excited about the former Packer's arrival.

"Super excited about [adding Clark]," Eberflus said. "He’s stout in the run game and a really good pass rusher inside, giving us push to solidify our interior."

Whether Clark is an upgrade or downgrade to the defense will be eventually confirmed on the field. But one thing that has caught the attention of the Cowboys coaching staff is his leadership.

"He’s a true pro," Eberflus added. "He’s a worker and a leader—he was that in Green Bay and will be here, too. You can see it right away. He knows ball, he’s really intelligent, great on the practice field, and a tremendous guy."

Packers head coach Matt LaFleur admitted the trade for Parsons was bittersweet because Clark is a "pro's pro" that was "revered in that locker room."

Thought that's all fine and well, what Cowboys Nation wants to see the most is his impact on the run game. Dallas has struggled to put a stop to opponents' rush offenses and on Thursday, it'll be up against a Super Bowl champion that crowned itself as the league's best because of its run game. Let's see what Clark can start making the Parsons trade look better.

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