The upcoming crucial matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Commanders will not feature two recent recruits, La’el Collins and Damien Wilson. Despite the Cowboys bringing them in this week, the decision to exclude them from the game became evident when linebacker Buddy Johnson and safety Sheldrick Redwine were elevated from the practice squad. According to Dallas Morning News reporter Michael Gehlken, the reason for their absence is that Collins and Wilson had just joined the team, and the upcoming week’s padded practice is considered crucial for their integration. Both Collins and Wilson are viewed as veteran backups for the playoffs, and while their signing wasn’t aimed at immediate playing time, there was still curiosity about their potential involvement in this critical game.
A victory for the Cowboys against the Commanders would secure the NFC East title for the second time under head coach Mike McCarthy. Conversely, a loss could jeopardize their chances and potentially affect the team’s morale heading into the playoffs.
Damien Wilson Could Be Crucial in Playoffs
For Cowboys fans, La’el Collins and Damien Wilson are familiar names. Collins, a veteran tackle, has a six-year history with Dallas and is essentially signed as a contingency plan in case one of the starting tackles faces an injury.
Damien Wilson, on the other hand, could potentially play a significant role. The Cowboys have been facing challenges in the linebacker position, both in terms of quality and quantity. Recently, the team has primarily relied on three main-roster linebackers. Injuries to Leighton Vander Esch and DeMarvion Overshown have compelled the Cowboys to address their linebacker depth. Wilson’s signing is seen as a response to this need, suggesting he might be called upon for an important role in shoring up the team’s linebacker position.
Damien Wilson was originally drafted by Dallas in the fourth round of the 2015 draft and spent four seasons with the Cowboys, starting in 22 games. However, his performance didn’t reach a level that persuaded Dallas to retain him, leading to his departure in the 2019 offseason.
After leaving Dallas, Wilson went on to win a Super Bowl with the Kansas City Chiefs. Despite this success, his most recent stint with the Carolina Panthers was less impressive, and he struggled to secure a spot on a main roster in 2023. Despite these challenges, Wilson now has a fresh opportunity with the Cowboys, marking his return to the team for the playoffs. This presents a new beginning for him in Dallas as he looks to make an impact in the postseason.
Cowboys Part Ways with Martavis Bryant
In addition to welcoming La’el Collins and Damien Wilson, the Dallas Cowboys have also parted ways with Martavis Bryant. Despite being an intriguing practice squad addition in November, Bryant’s time with the team has been short-lived.
Martavis Bryant, a former standout at Clemson and a fourth-round pick in the 2014 NFL draft, faced challenges during his career due to off-field issues. These issues impacted his stints with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Oakland Raiders, ultimately resulting in unproductive tenures with both teams. The decision to part ways with Bryant signals a quick exit from the Cowboys’ roster.
Despite being 32 years old, Martavis Bryant has not participated in an NFL regular-season game since 2018. While it seemed like he might have a chance with the Cowboys, the team has opted to go in a different direction, favoring the newly acquired Racey McRath instead.
Racey McRath made his NFL debut in 2021 with the Tennessee Titans after being selected in the sixth round of that year’s draft. Although his career statistics are relatively modest, with four catches for 48 yards, the Cowboys have chosen to give McRath an opportunity over Bryant in their current lineup.
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