Another important player for the Cowboys has been placed on injured reserve.
The Dallas Cowboys continue to face challenges on their defensive line. Following Sam Williams’ ACL tear, Durrell Johnson was waived due to injury. Now, Jordan Phillips is being placed on injured reserve.
According to The Athletic’s Jon Machota, “Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy said DT Jordan Phillips (wrist) is going on injured reserve. The Cowboys have signed DT Carlos Watkins, who will be at practice today.”
Phillips sustained a wrist injury and will miss at least four games. To address Phillips’ absence, the Cowboys also brought in Carlos Watkins.
Phillips joined the New York Giants in April 2024 and was traded to the Cowboys for a sixth-round pick in August. The Cowboys hoped he would contribute, but Phillips will now miss four games while recovering from a wrist injury.
Phillips was drafted by the Miami Dolphins as the 52nd overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft out of Oklahoma. He played for the Dolphins from 2015 to 2018 before being waived in October 2018 and claimed by the Buffalo Bills.
Phillips spent 2018 and 2019 with the Bills, then signed a three-year deal with the Arizona Cardinals in 2020. He played for the Cardinals in 2021 and 2022 before being released, later returning to the Bills for the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
Over his career, Phillips has recorded 24 sacks, 182 tackles, and one interception.
Watkins was drafted by the Houston Texans in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He played four seasons with the Texans and spent 2021 and 2022 with the Cowboys.
In 2023, Watkins joined the Arizona Cardinals but missed most of the season due to a biceps tear. Recently, he was on the Washington Commanders practice squad before rejoining the Cowboys.
Watkins may not be the final signing as the Cowboys look to reinforce their weakened defensive line.
With mounting injuries, the Cowboys currently have DeMarcus Lawrence and Chauncey Golston as left-side defensive ends and Mazi Smith as the left defensive tackle. On the right, Osa Odighizuwa and Linval Joseph play tackle, while Micha Parsons, Marshawn Kneeland, and Tyrus Wheat handle defensive end duties.
Smith is the lone healthy left defensive tackle, raising concerns about depth if he suffers any injury.
