Cowboys sign former first-round DE and others to practice squad ahead of Week 11
On Sunday, the Dallas Cowboys absolutely blew a 14-point lead and lost to a Green Bay Packers team they had every reason to beat.
Three days later, they are already making some interesting practice squad and roster changes in hopes of helping with depth and getting back on track.
Dallas added former first-round pick DE Takkarist “Takk” McKinley, WR Antonio Callaway, and OL Brock Hoffman to the practice squad. Center Alec Lindstrom was moved to the injured list and the team released DE Mike Tafua.
Two of these names could bring some added help and intrigue as Dallas heads to Minnesota for a tough road game against an 8-1 team.
McKinley is getting another chance to reunite with Dan Quinn — the man who used a first-round selection on him in 2017 when Quinn was still the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons. The DE also worked out for the Cowboys earlier in the summer but wasn’t signed at that time.
The 27-year-old spent four years with Atlanta and spent 2021 with Cleveland and the start of 2022 with the Los Angeles Rams before the reigning Super Bowl champs released the edge rusher in early October. The former UCLA star has 20.0 sacks, 53 QB hits, and 25 tackles for loss in 64 career games. The Cowboys hope he can give the defense a boost after letting Green Bay rush all over them on Sunday.
The @dallascowboys signed WR Antonio Callaway, C Brock Hoffman and DE Takkarist McKinley to the practice squad on Wednesday.
— Dallas Cowboys Public Relations (@DallasCowboysPR) November 16, 2022
The club also placed C Alec Lindstrom on Practice Squad/Injured and released DE Mika Tafua from the practice squad.
Cowboys add Takkarist McKinley, Antonio Callaway, and Brock Hoffman to the practice squad
Another interesting move was adding WR Antonio Callaway. Cowboys writer Patrik Walker doesn’t feel this signing has anything to do with CeeDee Lamb nor should it affect the potential signing of Odell Beckham Jr. Rather, Callaway may help the struggles happening with everyone in the WR room besides Lamb.
The WR1 had one of the best games of his career against Green Bay, collecting 150 yards and two touchdowns. The problem? No other WR had more than 40 yards. Michael Gallup just hasn’t been himself since returning from ACL surgery, Jalen Tolbert has been non-existent, and Noah Brown has been quiet as of late. With James Washington still out, the Cowboys could certainly use some help in the receiving room.
Callaway is a former fourth-round pick with tons of speed. Although he hasn’t played a game since 2020, the 25-year-old still has plenty to give. In 25 games, he has 53 receptions, 695 yards, and five touchdowns.
Lastly, center Brock Hoffman was added to replace rookie Alec Lindstrom who suffered a back injury that forced him to go on the practice squad’s IR. Hoffman was undrafted this offseason but looks to be a key depth piece with several offensive linemen on and off the 53-man roster dealing with injuries.
None of these moves are big splashes or life-changing adds for the Cowboys. However, we can hope they do a little something to boost this team before Sunday.
