Cowboys make multiple roster moves and receive news that completely changes expectations for Week 7

Big news ahead of a key NFC East matchup.

Mauricio Rodriguez — Dallas Cowboys News Writer

Oct 18, 2025 2:51 PM EDT

The Dallas Cowboys made multiple roster moves ahead of their Week 7 showdown versus the Washington Commanders before receiving news that changes expectations for Week 7.

Starting with the roster moves, the most noteworthy one is that the Cowboys are activating cornerback Caelen Carson off Injured Reserve. Carson, a second-year cornerback, will provide much-needed depth for a defense that will be down starter and former All-Pro cornerback Trevon Diggs — who suffered a “home accident” that landed him in the concussion protocol on Friday.

Carson can play inside and outside and is expected to have a role on gameday. The Cowboys will likely start Kaiir Elam and DaRon Bland outside, with Reddy Steward staying at nickel. Carson is expected to rotate in, though it’s unclear what his role will be.

Commanders announce Deebo Samuel is out

Though the Cowboys will miss Diggs on Sunday, the Commanders’ injuries at wide receiver are getting even worse. Dan Quinn announced Friday that Terry McLaurin is out, and now, Deebo Samuel is being downgraded to out, too. That means Jayden Daniels will be down his top two wide receivers while TE Zach Ertz — listed as questionable — is also banged up.

Samuel’s injury update changes expectations for the Cowboys completely, as the expected shootout looks easier to win with so many weapons missing in Washington’s front.

Cowboys elevate familiar face at RB

For the first time this season, the Cowboys are elevating RB help from the practice squad. Malik Davis, who played 15 games for Dallas between 2022 and 2023, is being called up. The Cowboys lost Miles Sanders for the season earlier in the year, and he will join Jaydon Blue in backing up Javonte Williams.

Davis is the Cowboys’ lone practice squad elevation for Week 7.

Past practice squad elevations for the Cowboys