Cowboys Country

Cowboys' biggest remaining weakness following 53-man roster cutdowns

What are the main areas of concern remaining for the Dallas Cowboys after trimming their roster to 53 players?
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott hands the ball off to running back Javonte Williams during training camp.
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott hands the ball off to running back Javonte Williams during training camp. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Following a flurry of moves on Tuesday, the Dallas Cowboys set their initial 53-man roster for the 2025 season.

Depth at positions such as wide receiver led to promising players such as Traeshon Holden and Jalen Brooks being released. They also went deep at other spots, like defensive end, where preseason star James Houston was able to make the roster.

Dallas wasn’t as deep at other positions, which is where we turn our attention.

MORE: Dallas Cowboys practice squad news tracker 2025: Players returning, new faces

Here’s a look at the three biggest weaknesses remaining heading into the 2025 season.


Offensive Tackle

Dallas Cowboys OT Tyler Guyton goes through a drill during practice at the Ford Center at the Star Training Facility.
Dallas Cowboys OT Tyler Guyton goes through a drill during practice at the Ford Center at the Star Training Facility. | Chris Jones-Imagn Images

After a roller coaster rookie season, the Cowboys were expecting a jump for Tyler Guyton in year two. Unfortunately, he missed the majority of training camp after suffering a knee injury.

MORE: 3 NFL roster cut casualties Cowboys should consider adding

He’s back at practice and could still play in Week 1. While that’s a positive sign, there are still far too many questions at tackle. That includes right tackle Terence Steele, who hasn’t lived up to his contract, and swing tackle Nate Thomas who has yet to play in a regular season game.

Dallas has plenty of weapons in the passing game, but if they can’t protect Dak Prescott, it won’t matter. Perhaps Guyton surprises us all, but for now, there’s still plenty to prove.


Defensive Tackle

Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Mazi Smith at training camp at the River Ridge Fields.
Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Mazi Smith at training camp at the River Ridge Fields. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

There’s hope at defensive tackle with Solomon Thomas and Perrion Winfrey joining Osa Odighizuwa. The problem is that those three are all known for providing an interior pass rush.

MORE: Cowboys should add recently-released Super Bowl-winning QB to practice squad

What Dallas lacks is a nose tackle capable of stuffing the run. Mazi Smith will be given a chance to prove himself in year three, but he hasn’t done enough to instill confidence.


Running Back

Dallas Cowboys RB Javonte Williams goes through a drill during practice at the Ford Center at the Star Training Facility.
Dallas Cowboys RB Javonte Williams goes through a drill during practice at the Ford Center at the Star Training Facility. | Chris Jones-Imagn Images

After sending Phil Mafah to the IR, the Cowboys are set to rely on Javonte Williams, Miles Sanders, and Jaydon Blue at running back.

That’s not encouraging since Williams and Sanders weren’t efficient for their former teams over the past two seasons. Sanders has also struggled to stay healthy during camp. The same has been true for Blue, who was hardly seen in the preseason due to injuries.

Dallas is banking on this trio giving them a strong committee, but until they can prove it works, this remains the biggest weakness on their roster.

Enjoy free coverage of the Cowboys from Dallas Cowboys on SI

Dallas Cowboys initial 53-man roster set for 2025 NFL season

3 players released at roster cut deadline Cowboys should pursue

4 biggest snubs on Dallas Cowboys initial 53-man roster for 2025 season

3 biggest surprises from Cowboys' initial 53-man roster for 2025 NFL season

Micah Parsons' best friend on Cowboys, Trevon Diggs, sheds promising light on mindset

PHOTOS: Brenley Herrera, viral Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader rookie


Published
Randy Gurzi
RANDY GURZI

Randy Gurzi is a graduate of Arizona State and has focused on NFL coverage since 2014.