Sunday’s loss to the Minnesota Vikings didn’t just sting-it might’ve closed the curtain on the Dallas Cowboys’ playoff hopes. But beyond the scoreboard, the bigger blow came late in the fourth quarter when defensive tackle Quinnen Williams exited the game with a concussion. He didn’t return, and now Dallas faces a tough decision with one of its most impactful midseason additions.
Since arriving from the Jets before the trade deadline, Williams has been everything the Cowboys hoped for-and more. He’s brought consistent interior pressure, racking up 26 total pressures (18 hurries, six QB hits, and two sacks) in just a handful of games.
That kind of production from the middle of the line has been a game-changer for a Dallas defense that’s been trying to reestablish its identity after trading away Micah Parsons. And just before he went down on Sunday, Williams added another highlight to his short Cowboys résumé-picking off Vikings rookie quarterback J.J.
McCarthy for his first interception in a Dallas uniform.
Now, though, the focus shifts from what Williams has done to what the Cowboys should do next. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer confirmed that Williams has entered the NFL’s concussion protocol, meaning he’ll need to clear every stage before he can return to the field.
Technically, there’s a chance he could be back before the season ends. But that doesn’t mean it’s the right move.
Let’s be real: the playoff picture is bleak. After falling to Minnesota, Dallas would need to win out and hope the Philadelphia Eagles lose all of their remaining games to have any shot at taking the NFC East. That’s a tall order, especially considering Philly still has two matchups left with a Washington Commanders team they’ve dominated in recent years.
So the smart play for Dallas? Shut Williams down.
This is a long-term investment. The Cowboys didn’t just bring Williams in to make a short-term playoff push-they brought him in to be a foundational piece of the defense for years to come.
He’s under contract for two more seasons with over $47 million still owed. Rushing him back from a head injury in a season that’s spiraling out of contention would be a risky move, both on the field and financially.
Williams has already shown he can be a difference-maker in Dan Quinn’s scheme. His ability to collapse the pocket, disrupt the run game, and now even make plays in coverage has filled a massive void left by Parsons. And if Dallas wants to bounce back in 2026, they’ll need Williams healthy and ready to anchor the middle of that defensive front.
There’s no question about his value. In just a few games, he’s proven to be the kind of player who can tilt the field-something Dallas has lacked since trading away its defensive centerpiece. And while fans would love to see him suit up again this year, the bigger picture is clear: protecting Williams now sets the Cowboys up for a better shot at redemption next season.
This year hasn’t gone to plan. But that doesn’t mean next year has to follow the same script. Letting Williams fully recover might not help in the short term, but it’s the kind of decision that could pay major dividends when the Cowboys hit the field in 2026 with a fresh slate-and their defensive anchor at full strength.