The Dallas Cowboys released their initial 53-man roster on Sunday, but like every year, their work is far from over. More roster machinations are on the horizon.
A host of players who made the 53 won't make the final roster once Dallas finishes combing the waiver wire and free agent market for potential upgrades.
Expect most players who were waived or released this weekend to re-sign to the practice squad. Dallas is also 12th in the waiver order, and Jerry Jones left zero doubt that the front office would be paying close attention to cuts around the league.
With more roster juggling ahead, make sure to bookmark this page as we update you on the Cowboys' latest practice squad signings and waiver wire transactions.
Last updated: Tuesday, September 1 at 9:40 a.m. ET
- Full list of Cowboys' practice squad signings
- Cowboys waiver wire additions
- Former Cowboys players claimed on waivers
- Analysis of notable moves
Full list of Cowboys' practice squad signings
Player | Position |
|---|---|
Justin Barron | LB |
Wanya Morris | OT |
Nick Leverett | C/G |
Israel Abanikanda | RB |
Michael Trigg | TE |
Derion Kendrick | CB |
Jordan Hudson | WR |
Tommy Dunn | DT |
Anthony Smith | WR |
Marcellus Johnson | OT |
Isaiah Land | OLB |
Reddy Steward | DB |
Curtis Robinson | LB |
Adedayo Odeleye | DL |
Elijah Garcia | DT |
Note: Adedayo Odeleye is on the practice squad by way of the NFL's International Pathway Program.
Cowboys waiver wire additions
Emari Demercado - RB
The Cowboys claimed Demercado off waivers from the Kansas City Chiefs. This is hardly a surprise after they waived Jaydon Blue, Phil Mafah, and Israel Abanikanda on Sunday. They will likely add one or two of them to the practice squad, but Demercado is a nice get.
A TCU product, Demercado played under Cowboys offensive coordinator Klayton Adams for two years with the Arizona Cardinals (2023 and 2024). He played three seasons for Arizona in total, rushing for 819 yards on a whopping 6.5 yards per carry to go with three touchdowns.
Dallas hoped Jaydon Blue would emerge as the change-of-pace back behind Javonte Williams. Perhaps Demercado can claim that role. He ran a 4.44 40-yard dash at his TCU pro day in 2023, so he can definitely scoot.
Former Cowboys players claimed on waivers
Player | New team |
|---|---|
Julius Wood | Miami Dolphins |
Trevor Keegan | Minnesota Vikings |
This is the second year in a row that the Cowboys have lost Julius Wood on waivers. He was one of Dallas' best defenders in the preseason, and a lot of fans are irked that he didn't make the initial 53-man roster while fellow safeties Markquese Bell and Alijah Clark got kept.
Keegan, meanwhile, also had a steady preseason. It seemed that he'd been passed on the depth chart by Nick Leverett, who was not claimed. Look for Leverett to sign back to Dallas' practice squad.
Note: The Cowboys have signed Leverett to the practice squad.
Analysis of notable moves
Cowboys claim RB Emari Demercado
Demercado brings both juice and experience to a Cowboys backfield that's currently composed of Javonte Williams, Malik Davis, and Hunter Luepke.
Given Demercado's experience with OC Klayton Adams, it stands to reason that Dallas has a plan for him. How many touches per week remain to be seen, but it stands to reason that he'll be active most weeks.
After all, we're talking about a patient, decisive runner who's got quick feet and enough long speed to rip explosive runs. He can also be trusted in pass protection and averaged 25.0 yards on six kickoff returns over his three seasons in Arizona. He's everything you want in a backup RB.
Cowboys sign Wanya Morris to the practice squad
The Cowboys have remade their offensive tackle depth in the last 48 hours, first trading for Broderick Jones before signing Wanya Morris to the practice squad after he was waived by the Falcons. That was an interesting decision by Atlanta, considering it traded for Morris earlier in the offseason.
A former third-round pick by the Chiefs, Morris has started 16 games in his career with 46 total appearances. He's logged 1,042 snaps at left tackle compared to 86 at right guard.
There's a reason he's on his third team (his tape is rough), but as far as offensive line additions to the practice squad go, Morris is a nice pickup by Dallas.
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