Cowboys reveal initial practice squad: Two noteworthy absences become the elephant in the room

The Dallas Cowboys have announced their initial practice squad of the 2024 NFL season after Wednesday's waiver wire. Although there's a 17-man limit including an international player, the Cowboys are sitting at 15 players, 14 of which have been officially announced by the team. Below is a full list of the squad and some of the […]

Mauricio Rodriguez — Dallas Cowboys News Writer
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Dallas Cowboys running back Malik Davis (34) runs during training camp at the River Ridge Playing Fields in Oxnard, California.
Dallas Cowboys running back Malik Davis (34) runs during training camp at the River Ridge Playing Fields in Oxnard, California. Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports

The Dallas Cowboys have announced their initial practice squad of the 2024 NFL season after Wednesday's waiver wire. Although there's a 17-man limit including an international player, the Cowboys are sitting at 15 players, 14 of which have been officially announced by the team. 

Below is a full list of the squad and some of the biggest takeaways off of the list. 

Keep in mind, these players can be elevated to the gameday roster a maximum of three times each. After that, they need to be promoted to the 53-man roster to see game action. Let's dive in. 

  1. RB Dalvin Cook (reported yet not official still)
  2. DE Carl Lawson
  3. LB Brock Mogensen
  4. WR Jalen Cropper
  5. OL Josh Ball
  6. TE Princeton Fant
  7. CB Josh Butler
  8. CB Kemon Hall
  9. RB Malik Davis
  10. WR Kelvin Harmon
  11. LB Darius Harris
  12. DB Emany Johnson
  13. iOL Dakoda Shepley
  14. LB Nick Vigil
  15. DL Denzel Daxon (International Player)

Biggest Takeaways

  • Most notable absence: Safety Julius Wood as a preseason standout as an undrafted rookie, which the Tennessee Titans took notice of as they claimed him on Wednesday's opening waiver wire. The Cowboys might come to regret their decision later on. 
  • Lost draft pick: Justin Rogers, the Cowboys' seventh round rookie, is also a very notable absence. Despite clearing waivers, Rogers headed to Cincinnati to sign with the Bengals' practice squad.
  • Dalvin Cook: This is an intriguing one. Chances are the Cowboys expect to play the veteran but at some point, Cook would have to be called up. Could that cost fan-favorite Deuce Vaughn the spot he fought so hard for? 
  • 17th player: Because of the league's International Player Pathway program, the Cowboys can carry a 17th man on the 16-man practice squad. Denzel Daxon is that man for the team after the team signed and eventually found out he was eligible, which they weren't aware of when they first signed Daxon. As opposed to previous years, international players are eligible to be called up to the gameday roster.
  • Carl Lawson added right back: The Cowboys surprisingly cut Lawson on Tuesday but Wednesday provides much more clarity around the move as the veteran defensive end is added to the practice squad. The team did however host DE Tyus Bowser on a visit, so there could be more moves on the way for the team's defensive end position.

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