NFL hits one of the newest Dallas Cowboys players with a multi-game suspension, and it should impact team’s preseason approach
One of the newest members of the Dallas Cowboys roster just got hit with a three-game suspension by the NFL due to a DUI. It may cost him his chance at even competing for a roster spot.
The Dallas Cowboys signed DE Charles Snowden on June 18 for additional depth on the defensive line. Two weeks before training camp, the veteran’s roster chances just took a big hit.
The NFL announced a three-game suspension for Snowden on Tuesday’s wire. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport revealed on social media it was the result of DUI. And it will surely impact how the Cowboys look at him when roster cutdown day comes.
Snowden’s suspension doesn’t affect his preseason (except it does)
Snowden’s suspension is set to take place “as of the roster reduction to 53 players,” per the NFL.
That means he can participate in training camp and even preseason games. If he makes the Cowboys roster, however, he will have to miss three regular season games.
That still is pretty bad news for him, as it will likely affect how the Cowboys handle him all throughout camp and the preseason. Snowden, though an experienced player with 33 games and 18 starts under his belt, is probably not good enough to avoid his snaps in practice being impacted. In all likelihood, the Cowboys will want to give those reps to players who can be available in Week 1 if called upon.
Snowden’s path to the 53-man roster was already a blurry one. The way I see it, there are three players who are absolute locks at edge rusher (or outside linebacker): Donovan Ezeiruaku, Rashan Gary, and first-round rookie Malachi Lawrence. Fourth-round rookie LT Overton is also making the team, but he could spend some time as an interior defensive lineman, too.
And here’s the thing: There will be serious competition for those final roster spots at the position among the likes of Marist Liufau, Sam Williams, James Houston, and others.
If I had to put a Cowboys 53-man roster projection today, I wouldn’t include Snowden following news about his suspension. The reps are simply put to better use if given to available players.
Snowden signed with the Cowboys last month following a three-sack season with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2025. He started 18 games for the Raiders in the last couple of years. He signed with the Chicago Bears in 2021 as an undrafted free agent out of Virginia.