The Cowboys are getting a reinforcement back for Week 8, and it comes on the defensive side. Dallas announced that safety P.J. Locke III has been activated from injured reserve ahead of the matchup with the Arizona Cardinals.
Locke’s return comes after he missed time with a torn plantar fascia in his foot, an injury he suffered in Dallas’ 37-20 Week 2 win over the Washington Commanders, according to Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network. The team also made another roster move, elevating tight end James Mitchell from the practice squad.
“The Cowboys activated S P.J. Locke III from IR to the active roster and elevated TE James Mitchell from the practice squad ahead of tomorrow vs. the Cardinals,” Garafolo reported.
What Locke’s role looks like from here is still unclear. Dallas has been leaning on Markquese Bell and Malik Hooker at safety, with Juanyeh Thomas and Alijah Clark working as the next men up. Locke, a seven-year veteran, spent the first six seasons of his career as a key rotational piece for the Denver Broncos before signing with the Cowboys in free agency.
He has appeared in two games for Dallas, including one start, before landing on IR. Over the course of his career, the former undrafted free agent has posted 177 combined tackles, including 112 solo stops, along with four sacks, one interception and five forced fumbles. This season, he has three combined tackles, two of them solo, and now he gets a shot to add to that total against Arizona.
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