It’s been two full weeks since the Dallas Cowboys last played football. On Monday night, they’ll take on the Las Vegas Raiders on what is a must-win matchup. Despite being an AFC foe, every win is mandatory when you’re 3-5-1.

For Cowboys fans, I know how hard it is to keep up with a football team when it’s been off for over ten days. That’s why I’m doing my best to catch you up with the team in one stop. Let’s dive in.

1. Cowboys got busy at the trade deadline

The long rest will translate into a very different version of the team following multiple acquisitions headlined by a couple of trades. Let’s start with the big one: The Cowboys traded for All-Pro defensive tackle Quinnen Williams in exchange of a 2026 second-round pick, 2027 first-round pick, and DT Mazi Smith.

Williams’ arrival should change everything for the Cowboys’ defense, as he’s a proven run stopper and pass rusher in the interior. He can play at nose tackle and three-technique just the same. His elite play should keep him on the field often and Dallas will likely continue leaning into the 5-man front they’ve shown in recent weeks.

Additionally, the Cowboys got LB Logan Wilson for a 2026 seventh-round pick. A middle linebacker, it’s unclear how much he will play over Kenneth Murray but he’s an upgrade. If he doesn’t take over on Monday, he probably will down the road.

2. LB DeMarvion Overshown returns from injury

For the first time since Week 14 of the 2024 season, Overshown is set to play on Monday night. He was activated off of Injured Reserve ahead of the Raiders matchup, though head coach Brian Schottenheimer admitted he could be on a pitch count.

When he does play, he will be taking over the weak-side role, where he got used to showing off his explosiveness and elite range last year. If his play is anywhere close to what it was pre-injury, Overshown will be an All-Pro caliber addition to Matt Eberflus’ defense.

3. CB Shavon Revel Jr. trending to make NFL debut

Like Overshown, third-round rookie Shavon Revel Jr. is completing his return from a knee injury on Monday. Schottenheimer expressed confidence in the young cornerback’s involvement on defense. With Trevon Diggs on IR and CB play being subpar all season, the rookie could be shoved into a large snap count right away.

Revel Jr. was perceived as a first-round talent who dropped to the third round because of the injury.

4. RT Terence Steele to battle second-year Nate Thomas for starting gig

Terence Steele’s starting gig is being put in question at right tackle: Schottenheimer announced Dallas would hold an open competition for the job. Steele’s contestant is second-year OT Nate Thomas. We’ll see how that plays out.

Despite most concerns around the Cowboys being on defense, the offense has hit a lull in its last few outings. The biggest problem? Probably pass protection aa soon as play action shots stop being a viable approach. When it’s time for Dak Prescott to consistently drop back, the pocket‘s integrity is in danger no matter the matchup. That starts with the tackles, who have struggled a lot in pass protection.

5. Cowboys’ plans to honor Marshawn Kneeland

Monday night will be the first time the Cowboys play without Marshawn Kneeland, who died by suicide earlier in the month.

The team announced it will honor Kneeland in a variety of ways, including a fund for his girlfriend Catalina. The Cowboys will also wear a special decal for the remainder of the season honoring their late player.

“We do not move on, but we move forward,” said Schottenheimer ahead of the game.

Dallas Cowboys News

Quinnen Williams couldn’t ask for a better stage to make his Cowboys debut in Week 11, and Raiders expert illustrates why

He can go off.

Justin Churchill