Cowboys must find way to keep practice squad star who shined in Week 5

The injury bug strikes several teams over the course of an NFL season, but it has run absolute roughshod over the Dallas Cowboys. The defense in particular has been besieged by injuries and there's no evidence to suggest the onslaught will come to an end.

Micah Parsons, arguably the best defensive player in the game, could miss his second straight game this Sunday with a high-ankle sprain. All-Pro cornerback DaRon Bland and Pro Bowl defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence are both on injured reserve with foot injuries.

Promising rookie Marshawn Kneeland joined the walking wounded in the Cowboys' victory over the Steelers. The second-pick will get his meniscus trimmed after suffering a partially torn lateral meniscus and is likely headed to IR.

In terms of minor injuries, rookie cornerback Caelen Carson has missed the last two games with a shoulder injury he sustained in Week 3. Andrew Booth got the start in Carson's place in Week 4, but after a terrible performance Booth did not see the field at all Sunday night.

Short on cornerbacks, defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer made the gusty call to turn to his practice squad.

Cowboys have to keep CB Amani Oruwariye after great game vs. Steelers

Amani Oruwariye, whom Dallas signed to the practice squad after Bland's injury, got the start in Booth's place against the Steelers. It was obvious in the first quarter that Oruwariye is a major upgrade over Booth, who might get cut to make space for Oruwariye on the 53-man roster.

Bland's return could complicate matters, but the Cowboys have already elevated Oruwariye twice. They can only elevate the 28-year-old one more time. In order for him to be available for a fourth game, he must be signed to the active roster.

After hauling in the game-clinching interception against the Giants in Week 4, Oruwariye was all over the field Sunday night. His 52.0 defensive grade from Pro Football Focus isn't close to an indication of how he played. He was among the many unheralded Cowboys who stood out on defense.

In two games, Oruwariye is allowing a 49.7 passer rating, per PFF. That is the 56-highest grade among 177 qualified cornerbacks. Not too shabby for a free agent Dallas picked up less than two weeks before the start of the regular season.

It's important not to get carried away with Oruwariye's start, but he is currently better than Carson. That's no surprise being that Carson is a rookie fifth-round pick, but there is undoubtedly a spot on the 53-man roster for Oruwariye.

Zimmer clearly appreciates him and his experience and nose for the football (10 career interceptions in 37 starts) make him a quality depth option.

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