As the Dallas Cowboys come off their BYE, owner Jerry Jones and the team’s top brass are taking the time to make roster changes. Dallas is 4-2 heading into Week 8 and have plenty of time and space to make moves before facing the Los Angeles Rams on October 28.
The latest roster moves were first reported by Dallas Morning News’ Michael Gehlken. Gehlken not only revealed that linebacker Mikel Jones and offensive tackle Alex Taylor-Prioleau were being released from the practice squad, but also gave insight on what might be next for the Cowboys and head coach Mike McCarthy.
“Cowboys released OT Alex Taylor-Prioleau and LB Mikel Jones from the practice squad. No replacements added at this time, but activity appears certain in days ahead. Sixteen-man practice squad is currently at 12, and the Cowboys worked out several players last week,” Gehlken wrote on X on October 23.
ing. NFL teams typically have their practice squad filled out. Dallas now has four empty spots, but how they will fill those spots is not clear.
Jerry Jones Calls Out Dallas WR Michael Gallup
While it seems unlikely that Cowboys starting wide receiver Michael Gallup could be a cut candidate, he was recently called out by name by Jerry Jones. The veteran WR’s production has been lackluster this year, as he continues to recover from an ACL tear.
Jones made the comments after the Week 6 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. Gallup only had three catches for 24 yards, continuing his underperforming trend.
“I thought Gallup had a little problem in the game,” Jones said on 105.3 The Fan on October 17. “He’s evolving still, I think. I know he gets tired of hearing this, but trying to get on back from where he was because of his injury, but we had good games from our receivers [against the Chargers on October 16].”
It’s a difficult situation. On the one hand, Gallup suffered a major ACL injury. But Dallas needs their starting receivers to perform, and Gallup simply hasn’t done that consistently. Besides strong performances against the Arizona Cardinals and New England Patriots, he has just 52 receiving yards over the Cowboys’ other four games.
Giants ‘Poached’ Cowboys PS Member
Part of the reason Dallas has open practice squad spots is due to the New York Giants. The Cowboys’ NFC East rival recently signed OL Sean Harlow, picking him up off the Dallas’ practice squad.
NFL Network insider Ian Rapaport was the first to report the news on October 19. Due to the rules of signing practice squad players, Harlow joined the Giants’ active roster. That means that, as long as Harlow remains on the roster through November 12, the Cowboys will face off against him when New York comes to Arlington, Texas in Week 10.
That being said, it may not happen. Harlow was a healthy scratch in the Giants’ Week 7 win over the Washington Commanders. Meanwhile, Dallas and Jerry Jones will continue their search for bodies and potential talents to fill up the practice squad.
