New Cowboys Signings Won’t Play Against Commanders: ‘Not Under Consideration’
There is a crucial game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Commanders, but two new players won’t be playing. The Cowboys signed former linebacker Damien Wilson and former lineman La’el Collins this week, but they won’t play in Week 18.
The team’s choice was made clear when they promoted safety Sheldrick Redwine and linebacker Buddy Johnson, but in a post dated January 6, Dallas Morning News reporter Michael Gehlken provided a clear explanation of Wilson and Collins’ absence from action.
“Cowboys elevated LB Buddy Johnson and S Sheldrick Redwine from practice squad for Sunday’s game at Commanders, they announced. OL La’el Collins and LB Damien Wilson were not under consideration, having just joined team. Next week’s padded practice is important work for both,” Gehlken wrote on X.
Neither player was signed with playing time in mind, as both will be veteran backups for the playoff run. However, it was still a point of interest to see if the Cowboys would run either player out in a critical game.
Should the Cowboys beat the Commanders, they will win the NFC East for the second time under head coach Mike McCarthy. A loss would likely rob them of that, and damper the atmosphere heading into the playoffs.
Damien Wilson Could Be Crucial in Playoffs
Collins and Wilson don’t really require an introduction for Cowboys supporters. The six-year Dallas resident is essentially being signed as a backup tackle in case one of the starting tackles gets hurt.
Wilson, though, might be destined for a significant part. Linebacker is the Cowboys’ weakest position on defense in terms of both quantity and quality. Recently, the Cowboys have virtually used three linebackers on their main roster. Their hand was pressed by injuries sustained by linebackers Leighton Vander Esch and DeMarvion Overshown.
Back in 2015, Wilson was drafted by Dallas in the fourth round of that year’s draft. He spent four seasons with the Cowboys, making 22 starts. He didn’t produce at a level that inspired Dallas to keep him, and he departed in the 2019 offseason.
Five years and a Super Bowl ring with the Kansas City Chiefs later, Wilson is back. That being said, his most recent stint with the Carolina Panthers was a dud and he has failed to get on a main roster in 2023. But he now has a fresh start with the Cowboys and it will begin in the playoffs.
Cowboys Part Ways with Martavis Bryant
Besides the additions of Collins and Wilson, Dallas also said goodbye to Martavis Bryant. Bryant was an interesting practice squad pickup back in November, but he’s already back out the door.
Bryant is a former Clemson standout and fourth-round pick in the 2014 NFL draft. However, off-field issues led to an unproductive tenures with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Oakland Raiders.
Since 2018, the 32-year-old has not participated in an NFL regular season game. Although it appeared that he might get a chance to play for the Cowboys, Racey McRath, a recent addition, is currently playing for the team.
McRath was selected in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft and signed with the Tennessee Titans. In his career, he has four catches totaling 48 yards.
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