Cowboys may have gotten steals with recent practice squad signings

The regular season is looming and the Dallas Cowboys are one of the most questionable teams heading into 2024. There is a lot to be answered after they went through another awkward offseason. After announcing their 53-man roster, the Cowboys quickly put the finishing touches on their practice squad.

Dallas' practice squad features familiar names like running back Dalvin Cook, edge rusher Carl Lawson, offensive lineman Josh Ball and wide receiver Jalen Cropper. Among the squad, though, there are two specific players that have the backstory, skillset and right path of opportunity in their favor going into the regular season.

CB Amani Oruwariye

The Cowboys signed Oruwariye after All-Pro corner DaRon Bland suffered a stress fracture in his foot. Bland underwent surgery and is expected to miss 6-8 weeks.

A former All-American at Penn State, Oruwariye had his best NFL season in 2021 with the Detroit Lions. That year, he racked up 57 tackles, two forced fumbles and six interceptions (a team high), including a pick-six.

After three seasons in Detroit, Oruwariye had two practice squad stints with the Jaguars and Giants and did not make it on the field with either team. Now in Dallas, Oruwariye looks to turn the page and he has the skillset to do that.

Oruwariye has above-average size for a defensive back at 6-3 and 205 pounds and his physicality helps him in battles with larger receivers. Bland left a ball-hawking void in the secondary with his injury. With nine career interceptions, Oruwariye has some of those same qualities.

A handful of free-agent defensive backs are still looking for a team so Dallas could yet add another player to the mix. Rookie Caelen Carson has looked legit and will likely start Week 1 opposite Trevon Diggs in Bland's stead. However, Oruwariye has the most interesting case of the team's backups to have a real impact during the season.

DT Phil Hoskins

Hoskins most recently was part of the Arizona Cardinals practice squad. He saw action in five games in 2023, recording 12 tackles, one pressure and three defensive stops. Before then, Hoskins wore a Carolina Panthers and Kansas City Chiefs uniform.

Another former college standout, Hoskins starred at the University of Kentucky three years ago. In the NFL, Hoskins's production has been limited but when given a chance, he can produce.

Outside of Osa Odighizuwa, the Cowboys don't have any true forces at defensive tackle. While there is promise with Mazi Smith, his production is still to be determined. Smith's backup happens to be Linval Joseph, who is playing in his 15th NFL season. It's fair to question how much Joseph has left in the tank. Therefore, a player like Hoskins could give Dallas much-needed depth.

Hoskins has an imposing frame at 6-5 and 315 pounds. He pairs that with quick reaction time to clog drains in the run game. With Mike Zimmer's reputation of causing havoc up front and stuffing the run, Hoskins' skillset is the ideal final addition to the defensive tackle room.

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