By: Anthony Miller
After over a month of training camp and preseason, the Dallas Cowboys have finalized their 53-man roster for the 2023 season.
This week, all 32 NFL teams reduced their roster sizes to 53 with a week to go before the regular season kicks off. One of the biggest position battles for Dallas during training camp was at the running back position behind Tony Pollard. There has been some intrigue in the secondary and wide receiver positions as well.
Here is a full breakdown of the roster the Dallas Cowboys have constructed for the start of the 2023 season.
Dallas Cowboys Final Roster Breakdown
QB – Dak Prescott, Cooper Rush, Trey Lance
Obviously, the biggest storyline from the position is Trey Lance joining the fold. Lance replaces Will Grier who was cut from the team to make room for Lance. Cooper Rush still goes in as the backup heading into the season and could hold that position to help Lance develop and learn the offense.
Despite Lance joining the team, it should be very clear that Dak Prescott is the starting quarterback, and he is not here to take it. Lance might very slightly influence the contract extension talks with Prescott, but ultimately, Prescott is the franchise quarterback and will continue to be outside of any unmitigated disaster to this season.
RB – Tony Pollard, Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn, Hunter Luepke
Tony Pollard was always going to come in as the starting running back on the roster. Rico Dowdle and Deuce Vaughn impressed during the preseason as the two were able to beat out Malik Davis for the backup jobs behind Pollard.
Hunter Luepke performed well in the last preseason game of the season as he could be used more as a fullback. The concern is whether Luepke can hold his roster spot once Ronald Jones returns from his two-game suspension.
WR – CeeDee Lamb, Brandin Cooks, Michael Gallup, Jalen Tolbert, Kavontae Turpin, Jalen Brooks
Dallas has one of the best first-three receiver groups in the league. CeeDee Lamb, Brandin Cooks, and Michael Gallup were clearly going to make the team and make up the majority of their passing game.
Jalen Tolbert and Jalen Brooks were the standouts during training camp and preseason as they were consistent in their performances. Tolbert proved to be a viable fourth option at receiver. Kavontae Turpin was not a surprise as he will be their returner on special teams, but the real question is whether he will be featured in the offense more this season.
TE – Jake Ferguson, Luke Schoonmaker, Peyton Hendershot
Peyton Hendershot was competing with John Stephens Jr. for the final roster spot at tight end, but Stephens’ injury, opened the door for Hendershot. Jake Ferguson and Luke Schoonmaker were locks to make the roster so no big surprises there.
OT – Tyron Smith, Tyler Smith, Terence Steele, Asim Richards, Matt Waletzko (on IR), Chuma Edoga
The Cowboys are bringing on five tackles to start the season with Asim Richards and Matt Waletzko most likely being able to play both guard and tackle for the team. Waletzko will start the first four games of the season on IR though. Tyron Smith is expected to take the left tackle position back after returning from injury and Tyler Smith will hold strong at right tackle.
OG – Zack Martin, TJ Bass
Only two guards are on the roster, but this ties back to the backups at tackle being able to jump into any role on the line. Dallas is sure happy to have Zack Martin back as he will be back at guard and starting after holding out during training camp.
C – Tyler Biadasz
There is no backup for Tyler Biadasz being the only center on the current roster for Dallas. The Cowboys do have four offensive linemen on the practice squad so if there is an injury that occurs for Biadasz, there are backup plans in place.
DE – DeMarcus Lawrence, Dorance Armstrong, Sam Williams, Dante Fowler
It was clear that despite the depth at the defensive line being strong for the Dallas Cowboys, these four defensive ends were the best on the team. One situation to monitor is Sam Williams who is dealing with a toe injury and was arrested over the weekend on charges of possession of a controlled substance and the unlawful carrying of a weapon. This could have an impact on the rotation of defensive ends.
DT – Mazi Smith, Johnathan Hankins, Osa Odighizuwa, Villami Fehoko, Chauncey Golston, Neville Gallimore
Continuing the narrative of depth on the defensive line, the Cowboys decided to keep six defensive tackles on the roster. Rookie first-round pick Mazi Smith will be the focal point to see how he does in his first season with Dallas.
LB – Micah Parsons, Leighton Vander Esch, Damone Clark, Devin Harper
Injuries at the linebacker position and the surprise release of Jabril Cox have made the Cowboys’ linebacking core an interesting group. Versatility is the key as Micah Parsons will play some defensive end on pass-rushing situations. Leighton Vander Esch will need to step up and have a big season for the team.
CB – Trevon Diggs, Stephon Gilmore, DaRon Bland, Jourdan Lewis, Eric Scott Jr., Noah Igbinoghene, Nahshon Wright (on IR)
The secondary for Dallas is deep with no surprises as Trevon Diggs and Stephon Gilmore are going to be the starters. DaRon Bland and Jourdan Lewis will battle for the nickelback position. A keynote to make is Nahshon Wright has been placed on the IR for the first four weeks of the regular season. Noah Igbinoghene who was just acquired in a trade with the Miami Dolphins will fill in.
S – Donovan Wilson, Malik Hooker, Jayron Kearse, Israel Mukuamu, Markquese Bell, Junayeh Thomas
The standout of the preseason was Junayeh Thomas who was dominant in the secondary which helped him win a spot on the roster. Donovan Wilson and Malik Hooker will take command of the starting safety position with Jayron Kearse rotating in as well.
Special Teams – Brandon Aubrey (K), Bryan Anger (P), Trent Sieg (LS)
After the release of Tristan Vizcaino before their first preseason game, the kicker position was Brandon Aubrey’s job to lose, and he impressed. Bryan Anger will keep his punter position and Trent Sieg was just signed onto the team to hold on to the long snapper position.
Featured Image via Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press