Cowboys rookie on meteoric rise in position for another big day vs Broncos after gameday inactives announcement

The Dallas Cowboys announced their inactives ahead of their Week 8 showdown versus the Denver Broncos.

Mauricio Rodriguez — Dallas Cowboys News Writer
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Oct 19, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker Shemar James (50) and linebacker Jr. Kenneth Murray (59) celebrate after a fumble by the Washington Commanders during the third quarter of the game at AT&T Stadium.
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The Dallas Cowboys are set to play the Denver Broncos in Week 8 and as always, the team announced its gameday inactives 90 minutes before kickoff. As expected, the defense is seriously banged up but one name that was not on Friday’s final injury report was added last-minute on Sunday.

Linebacker Jack Sanborn was ruled out Sunday. Sanborn—who started the first five games of the season—returned to action in Week 7 following a stint in the concussion protocol. Now, he’s dealing with a groin injury.

Sanborn’s absence positions fifth-round rookie LB Shemar James for another big game starting for the Cowboys defense. In Week 7, he started over Sanborn (who had zero defensive snaps). It’s unknown if Sanborn would have played more after shaking off the rust but him being ruled out essentially means it will be James’ show alongside middle linebacker Kenneth Murray.

James has shown his upside over the last few games. He’s a big-time athlete that can move fast and hit hard but he has yet to slow down the game as far as vision and decision-making. That will come with time. Against the Broncos—who boast the top pass-protecting offensive line in the league—he could be tasked with blitzing, as well. The Cowboys will need to generate pressure any way they can. James forced a strip sack versus Washington Commanders Jayden Daniels last weekend.

Full list of Cowboys’ inactives for Week 8

  • S Donovan Wilson
  • S Juanyeh Thomas
  • LB Jack Sanborn
  • DT Jay Toia
  • WR Jonathan Mingo
  • OT Ajani Cornelius

NOTABLE PLAYERS ON INJURED RESERVE: OC Cooper Beebe, CB Trevon Diggs, CB Shavon Revel Jr., S Malik Hooker

PRACTICE SQUAD ELEVATIONS: RB Malik Davis, CB Corey Ballentine

Other notes on Cowboys’ inactives

  • WR Jonathan Mingo’s season debut will have to wait another week. Mingo was placed on the 53-man roster earlier in the week but is apparently not ready to return yet. The Cowboys have a deep room at WR, however, so it isn’t much of a concern for the offense.
  • In addition to Malik Hooker being inactive, the Cowboys are down safeties Donovan Wilson and Juanyeh Thomas. That means the defense will be down to its fourth and fifth safeties in Markquese Bell and undrafted rookie Alijah Clark.
  • Once again, it’s seventh-round rookie nose tackle Jay Toia as a healthy scratch. Former first-round pick Mazi Smith is clearly above him in the depth chart at this point after the two went back-and-forth in the active gameday roster.

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