As the Dallas Cowboys prepare for a crucial Week 8 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, their roster decisions grow increasingly complex. Sitting at 3-3, Dallas can’t afford another loss, as a 3-4 record in a competitive NFC could make a playoff push more challenging.
The team hoped for a fresh start coming out of the bye week. But injuries still plague their roster, with defensive stalwarts like Micah Parsons and DaRon Bland unable to fully return to form. The list also includes defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence and rookie Marshawn Kneeland, leaving the Cowboys shorthanded as they face some of their season’s most pivotal games.
However, one familiar face is back in the mix—defensive tackle Jordan Phillips. Phillips hit injured reserve after just two games with what was reported as a wrist injury, though he has publicly questioned that designation. Fully cleared to practice, Phillips has a 21-day window for the Cowboys to decide if he’ll be added back to the active roster or remain on the sideline.
Phillips’ return is layered with uncertainties. After being traded to Dallas from the Giants for a future sixth-round pick, his limited appearances before landing on IR were underwhelming. In a game against the Saints, Phillips made a puzzling choice, wrestling an offensive lineman while quarterback Derek Carr threw a near-touchdown pass that was luckily nullified by a penalty. PFF ratings weren’t kind, listing Phillips as the lowest-ranked interior lineman in the league at that point.
Now the Cowboys front office faces a key decision. Phillips could bolster a depleted defensive line, but his early-season struggles leave room for doubt. With the clock ticking, Cowboys fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see if Phillips is given the chance to turn things around or if his season is over before it truly began.
