The Dallas Cowboys’ depth at a critical position is going to be tested, even before the 2024 regular season kicks off.
After defensive end Sam Williams tore his ACL, the Cowboys will now turn to rookie Marshawn Kneeland to take an expanded role and perhaps a major leap into the starting lineup opposite Micah Parsons along Dallas’ front-seven.
“That’s a really tough break, especially for him, because he was clearly going to be a primary contributor,” Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy told reporters. “I thought he had an excellent off-season.”
Where Dallas Cowboys Go From Here After Sam Williams Injury
ESPN’s Todd Archer points out that the Cowboys could always look for veteran help, via remaining free agents or pulling off a trade before Week 1. However, Kneeland is going to get a first chance at first-team reps during training camp to prove he’s capable of making an impact.
“As far as what we’re doing moving forward, frankly, this is really what training camp is about,” McCarthy said. “We have some young players that are going to have a great opportunity.”
While Parsons cemented himself as one of the most disruptive pass rushers in the sport, the Cowboys’ defense’ 46 sacks ranked just 13th in the league.
The heat is on Kneeland, who produced 13 sacks across four seasons at Western Michigan before being chosen by the Cowboys No. 56 overall in the second round of this spring’s NFL Draft. Last season, Kneeland logged a career-high 4.5 sacks.
“Now it’s more reps I have to take,” Kneeland told reporters, “so just have to step it up a notch.”
