Cowboys make savvy move they hope they don't have to cash in on
On Wednesday, the Dallas Cowboys announced they designated two injured players for return to practice ahead of Week 15 against the Buffalo Bills. Both fourth-round rookie DL Viliami Fehoko Jr. and OL Billy Price are now eligible to practice. Their situations are different though, as Price wasn't originally a member of the 53-man roster but […]
On Wednesday, the Dallas Cowboys announced they designated two injured players for return to practice ahead of Week 15 against the Buffalo Bills.
Both fourth-round rookie DL Viliami Fehoko Jr. and OL Billy Price are now eligible to practice. Their situations are different though, as Price wasn't originally a member of the 53-man roster but rather of the practice squad. His return doesn't imply much other than the fact that he's healthier.
As for Fehoko Jr., the Cowboys would need to open up a spot on the 53 by cutting someone or placing a player on Injured Reserve if they want him back. The rookie has yet to debut in the NFL and was sent to IR in what many considered a strategic move roster-wise.
Ultimately, the Cowboys will have 21 days to activate Fehoko to the 53-man roster, which means the final day to make a decision would be the Wednesday before the season finale at Washington.
However, the Cowboys are likely hoping they don't have to capitalize on the move. After all, adding Fehoko Jr. back to the roster would likely be a sign that somebody on their current defensive line room got injured. The fourth-round rookie didn't get to see the field in the regular season when healthy because it's a loaded group in Dallas. Not even his versatility made him worth activating over some of the veterans on the squad.
That's not an indictment on Fehoko Jr., whose hand usage could be a problem for offensive linemen in the future. However, it's simply true there wasn't a spot on the gameday roster for him.
When the 21 days run out, the Cowboys could simply decide to place him on season-ending IR. In the meantime, activating Fehoko Jr. gives him the opportunity to keep practicing and be ready for action if needed. It's a no-brainer and savvy move since the front office doesn't risk losing him or anything like that.
Cowboys coach hints at potential roster moves ahead of Week 15
They could be necessary.
