The Cowboys shuffled their roster Saturday with Sunday’s trip to Indianapolis looming, and the biggest move was a tough one for Dallas’ defense: rookie first-round linebacker Malachi Lawrence was placed on injured reserve.
At the same time, the team brought outside linebacker Marist Liufau back from IR, a move that gives Dallas a little more help at linebacker as it tries to steady a defense that has been inconsistent. The Cowboys also elevated wide receiver Jordan Hudson and tight end James Mitchell from the practice squad, while defensive tackle Jonathan Bullard was ruled out.
NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo first reported the moves Saturday on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“The #Cowboys placed rookie first-round LB Malachi Lawrence on IR and activated OLB Marist Liufau from IR. The team elevated WR Jordan Hudson and TE James Mitchell from the practice squad.
“DT Jonathan Bullard will remain on IR and has been ruled out for tomorrow.”
Lawrence’s move to injured reserve means he will miss at least four games, leaving Dallas without one of its young defensive pieces during a critical stretch. Liufau’s return, meanwhile, comes at a time when the Cowboys are trying to patch things together on defense and stay in the NFC playoff race.
The offensive side got some reinforcement too. Hudson and Mitchell give quarterback Dak Prescott and the Cowboys extra depth at wide receiver and tight end heading into Week 9.
Bullard’s absence adds another hole on the defensive front as Dallas gets ready for the Colts.
The Cowboys enter Sunday at 3-5 after a 33-30 overtime loss to the Arizona Cardinals in Week 8. Indianapolis is 2-6, and kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET on Fox.
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