Dallas Cowboys Practice Squad Tracker: Every Player Signed

The Dallas Cowboys made some surprising moves over the weekend as the team set its 53-man roster for the upcoming regular season. There were a handful of surprises, including the release of second-year running back Jaydon Blue.

Blue was among one of the biggest surprise cuts in the entire league, but now we will have to wait to see if he can make his way onto the team's practice squad.

Teams around the league can begin adding to their practice squads at approximately 1:00 p.m. ET, after players clear through waivers.

A total of 16 players can be added to the practice squad for each team, with the opportunity to add a 17th if a spot is used as an International Player Pathway program exemption.

Dallas Cowboys tight end Michael Trigg goes through a drill during practice at the Ford Center at the Star Training Facility | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Players to keep an eye on when the team begins adding to its practice squad include tight end Michael Trigg, linebacker Justin Barron, cornerbacks Josh Butler and Trikweze Bridges, safety Zion Childress and Julius Wood, and wide receiver Anthony Smith.

The Cowboys also parted ways with fan-favorite offensive lineman Shiyazh Pete, who made history during the preseason, so we'll have to see if he gets the opportunity to continue pursuing his NFL career in Dallas.

In total, the team made 39 roster moves to get down to its 53-man roster, while trading offensive tackle Nate Thomas away to the Houston Texans. Linebacker Marist Liufau and cornerback Devin Moore were placed on the reserve/injured-designated for return list, while tight end DJ Rogers was placed on the waived/injured list.

A full look at the Cowboys' practice squad for the upcoming season can be seen below.

Dallas Cowboys' 2026 Practice Squad

Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer looks on prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Emari Demercado, running back (from Kansas City): The Cowboys' first move following the team's cut to its 53-man roster was claiming Emari Demarcado off of waivers. Mercado, who started at TCU before joining the Arizona Cardinals as an undrafted free agent, most recently appeared with the Kansas City Chiefs. Demercado provides much-needed depth at running back, and can also contribute on special teams. As an added bonus, Demarcado has familiarity with offensive coordinator Klayton Adams from his time in Arizona.

"Emari's a guy that Klayton has some exposure to," head coach Brian Schottenheimer said when speaking to the media on Monday afternoon. "Good veteran that plays special teams, and there are a lot of good things that we're excited about with him."

Justin Barron, linebacker: Barron is back on the Cowboys' practice squad for a second straight season. Barron had a strong performance during training camp and the preseason. Last year, Barron was called up to the active roster near the end of the season, so we'll have to see if he gets the call up again at any point this year.

Wanya Morris, offensive tackle: Morris was a surprise cut by the Atlanta Falcons after the team traded for him earlier in the offseason. Now, Dallas has a new swing tackle who can add depth along the offensive line.

Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Wanya Morris during a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Dayo Odeleye, defensive end: The Cowboys are reuniting with Odeleye, who is part of the NFL’s international player program, meaning the Cowboys will use a roster exemption and can expand their practice squad by one player.

Nick Leverett, center

C Nick Leverett is coming back to the Cowboys' practice squad.
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) August 31, 2026

Patrik Walker of the team's official website announced the following practice squad additions:

Reddy Steward, cornerback
Israel Abanikanda, running back
Tommy Dunn, defensive tackle
Jordan Hudson, wide receiver
Marcellus Johnson, offensive tackle
Derion Kendrick, defensive back
Anthony Smith, wide receiver
Michael Trigg, tight end
Isaiah Land, linebacker
Curtis Robinson, linebacker

Practice squad players can be elevated to the active roster on game day three times before they must be signed to the 53-man roster during the season. Up to two practice squad players can be elevated per week.

If a team is interested in signing a player off of another team's practice squad, that player must be signed directly to the 53-man roster for a minimum of three weeks.

This post will be updated as information begins to pour in. Teams will begin signing players to their practice squad after waivers are cleared at 1:00 p.m. ET.

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