In 2021, Amani Oruwariye appeared to be a key future player for the Detroit Lions’ defense as they began their rebuild. He recorded six interceptions that season, ranking third in the league, during Dan Campbell’s inaugural year as head coach.

However, there were some warning signs. Pro Football Focus rated Oruwariye as the 89th-best cornerback that year (with a minimum of about 250 snaps), and his coverage grade placed him 83rd out of 129 qualifiers who met the minimum criteria.

In 2022, Oruwariye’s performance dramatically declined. He lost his starting position midway through the season and saw minimal playing time unless absolutely necessary.

For most of the 2023 season, he was on the practice squads of the New York Giants and the Jacksonville Jaguars, participating in just one game for the Jaguars.

After being released during final roster cuts in August, Oruwariye joined the Dallas Cowboys’ practice squad. He has since been elevated to the active roster for the last two games.

In Week 4, he intercepted a pass against the Giants, and in Week 5, he started and played every defensive snap against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Cowboys had the opportunity to reinstate 2023 All-Pro cornerback DaRon Bland this week as they opened his practice window from injured reserve due to a foot injury.

Despite being listed as questionable on Friday, he had not yet been removed from IR.

On Saturday, ESPN’s Todd Archer reported that Bland will not play against the Lions on Sunday, allowing Oruwariye to be elevated from the practice squad for the third time.

If the Cowboys wish to retain him beyond Sunday, they must sign him to the active roster.

According to Pro Football Focus, in a limited sample of 91 snaps, Oruwariye has allowed eight receptions for 77 yards on 12 targets, resulting in a 49.7 passer rating against him in his first two games with the Cowboys.

With Trevon Diggs’ coverage skills on the opposite side, the Lions are likely to target Oruwariye frequently during Sunday’s game.

This matchup is significant for him, as the Cowboys will need to decide whether to keep him on the active roster moving for