The Dallas Cowboys are taking a significant gamble on their defensive line, placing veteran defensive tackle Jordan Phillips on injured reserve after a disappointing start to the season. Phillips, who joined the Cowboys this offseason, has struggled to make an impact, recording just one tackle in two games before suffering a wrist injury. The injury will sideline him for at least four weeks, prompting the Cowboys to turn to a familiar face: Carlos Watkins.
Watkins, who played for the Cowboys in 2021 and 2022, was signed off the Washington Commanders’ practice squad to fill the void left by Phillips. However, Watkins, who struggled to make the active rosters for both the Commanders and the Rams earlier this year, is seen as a risky replacement. With concerns already surrounding the Cowboys’ defensive line, particularly after a lackluster performance in their loss to the Saints, the move raises questions about the effectiveness of the Cowboys’ strategy moving forward
Fans and analysts alike are watching closely to see if Watkins can step up and provide the stability needed on the defensive front, or if the Cowboys’ gamble on two struggling veterans will come back to haunt them.
