Cowboys Headlines: More players out with illness; roster moves; can Pettine fix defense?
More Cowboys players have been hit by a bug; depth OL Nick Leverett is waived; more on Mike Pettine's new role as senior defensive assistant.
The Dallas Cowboys are facing a series of roster adjustments and defensive challenges as they prepare for their Week 6 matchup against the Green Bay Packers. In a bid to bolster their defense, the team has hired former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike Pettine as the senior defensive assistant. Christian Parker, who unsuccessfully pursued Pettine during the offseason, is now employing his former boss to help turn around a unit that has struggled in the first five games.
Several Cowboys players have fallen ill, leading to the team sending DaRon Bland, Caelen Carson, and Joey Porter home from practice. Porter has since returned to the lineup, while Jonathan Mingo has also been battling the same illness. As a result, the Cowboys have held a players-only meeting to discuss their defensive issues and explore potential roster moves.
Offensive lineman Nick Leverett has been waived, and Von Miller has admitted to receiving fewer playing opportunities than anticipated. The team is also considering trade options for edge rushers, with rising star 24-year-old defensive end being a potential candidate. DeMarvion Overshown, a cornerback, is making progress towards returning to action and could be available for Sunday's game against the Packers.
On the injury front, DeMarvion Overshown is closer to making his return, while linebacker Micah Parsons of the Packers will miss the upcoming matchup due to an injury. The Packers will also have to find a way to replace D-line star Javon Hargrave, who is out for the season after undergoing Achilles tendon surgery. Running back Josh Jacobs remains sidelined due to a suspension and has shown no signs of returning anytime soon.
As the NFC East continues to face scrutiny, head coaches Dan Quinn of the Washington Commanders and Nick Sirianni of the Philadelphia Eagles are drawing criticism for their recent performances. The Commanders were criticized for their costly failure to stop the clock in overtime, while the Eagles faced backlash for their questionable kickoff strategy that allowed Jacksonville to secure a last-minute victory in London.
In addition, Green Bay linebacker Dre Greenlaw has been suspended for one game following a head-butt to a helmetless opponent.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
