Cowboys 53-man roster vs Bengals in Week 14: Three key defensive decisions to come

The Dallas Cowboys have somehow managed to win two games in a row, pushing off the obituary to their 2024 season for a little while longer. Now with a record of 5-7, the Cowboys are still several games out of the final playoff spot, but further distancing themselves from a draft position that gives them a winner’s shot at selecting an impact player next April.

Now stuck in the gooey middle of the NFL hierarchy, the Cowboys have five games remaining to fully define who they are. Proceeding without a franchise quarterback can be freeing in a way. Dak Prescott regularly saved the team from themselves and now with him on IR the defense is starting to step up as they put themselves back together. Week 14’s matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals will be another opportunity to prove that.

There are expected to be several roster decisions this week. Most notably, there’s a chance that DE DeMarcus Lawrence has his practice window opened. The team will move at least one secondary player, Josh Butler, to IR and potentially Juanyeh Thomas as well. The former is done for the year, the latter for a few weeks.

For now, here’s a look at the 53-man roster, the practice squad member’s remaining elevation eligibility, and the Reserved/Injured list entering Week 14.

No. 1 WR Jalen Tolbert

Cowboys 53-man roster vs Bengals in Week 14: Three key defensive decisions to come

Jul 27, 2022; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys receiver Jalen Tolbert (18) during training camp at the River Ridge Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

No. 2 CB Jourdan Lewis

Sep 25, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Jourdan Lewis (27) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

No. 3 WR Brandin Cooks

Nov 30, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Brandin Cooks (3) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

No. 5 Punter Bryan Anger

Dallas Cowboys punter Bryan Anger (5) prepares for the game against the Giants, at MetLife Stadium. Sunday, September 10, 2023

No. 6 Safety Donovan Wilson

Wednesday: — |

Thursday: — |

Friday: —

No. 7 CB Trevon Diggs

Apr 26, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs talks to a member of the Mavericks staff during the second quarter of the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the LA Clippers during game three of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

No. 9 WR Kavontae Turpin

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – FEBRUARY 04: NFL player KaVontae Turpin of the Dallas Cowboys attends the NFL Pro Bowl Weekend Celebrity All-Star Game 2023 benefiting the charity D Up On Cancer at the Cox Pavilion on February 04, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

No. 10 QB Cooper Rush

Wednesday: — | Thursday: — | Friday: DNP

No. 11 DE Micah Parsons

Jun 5, 2024; Frisco, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parson (11) warms up during practice at the Ford Center at the Star Training Facility in Frisco, Texas. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-USA TODAY Sports

No. 13 LB DeMarvion Overshown

Jul 29, 2023; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarvion Overshown (35) during training camp at the River Ridge Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

No. 15 RB Ezekiel Elliott

Jun 4, 2024; Frisco, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (15) on the field during practice at the Ford Center at the Star Training Facility in Frisco, Texas. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

No. 17 Kicker Brandon Aubrey

Sep 17, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys place kicker Brandon Aubrey (17) watches his field goal in the fourth quarter against the New York Jets at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

No. 18 LB Damone Clark

: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

No. 19 QB Trey Lance

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 10: Trey Lance #15 of the Dallas Cowboys warms up prior to a game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on September 10, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

No. 23 RB Rico Dowdle

ARLINGTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 12: Rico Dowdle #23 of the Dallas Cowboys walks off the field after the game against the New York Giants at AT&T Stadium on November 12, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)

No. 24 Safety Israel Mukuamu

Aug 12, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys safety Israel Mukuamu (24) walks off the field after the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

No. 26 CB DaRon Bland

Nov 23, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland (26) eats a turkey leg after the Cowboys victory over the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Bland was returned to the 53-man roster in Week 9.

No. 28 Safety Malik Hooker

Jul 29, 2023; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys safety Malik Hooker (28) during training camp at the River Ridge Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

No. 29 CB C.J. Goodwin

Jan 16, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive back C.J. Goodwin (29) catches a pass for a first down on a fake punt in the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers in a NFC Wild Card playoff football game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

No. 30 Safety Juanyeh Thomas

Nov 19, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Dallas Cowboys safety Juanyeh Thomas (30) during pregame warm ups against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

No. 31 CB Josh Butler

Aug 1, 2023; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys safety Josh Butler (40) during training camp at Marriott Residence Inn-River Ridge playing fields. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports

No. 35 LB Marist Liufau

No. 40 FB Hunter Luepke

Jul 27, 2023; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Hunter Luepke (43) during training camp at Marriott Residence Inn-River Ridge Playing Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

No. 41 LB Nick Vigil

Sep 12, 2021; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Nick Vigil (59) reacts after sacking Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (np) in the first half at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports

No. 42 RB Deuce Vaughn

ARLINGTON, TEXAS – AUGUST 12: Deuce Vaughn #42 of the Dallas Cowboys walks off the field after the loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in a preseason game at AT&T Stadium on August 12, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)

No. 44 Long Snapper Trent Sieg

ARLINGTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 01: Trent Sieg #44 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates with Chauncey Golston #99 of the Dallas Cowboys after Golston’s two point conversion during the second quarter against the New England Patriots at AT&T Stadium on October 01, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)

No. 50 Linebacker Erick Kendricks

Jun 5, 2024; Frisco, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker Marist Liufau (35) and linebacker Eric Kendricks (50) go through a drill during practice at the Ford Center at the Star Training Facility in Frisco, Texas. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-USA TODAY Sports

No. 55 DE Carl Lawson

Nov 29, 2020; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Carl Lawson (58) reacts to his team prior to the game between the New York Giants and the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports

No. 56 OG Cooper Beebe

No. 57 LB Buddy Johnson

Jun 5, 2024; Frisco, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker Buddy Johnson (57) goes through a drill during practice at the Ford Center at the Star Training Facility in Frisco, Texas. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-USA TODAY Sports

No. 58 DT Mazi Smith

Aug 26, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Mazi Smith (58) on the sidelines during the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

No. 60 OT Tyler Guyton

Jun 5, 2024; Frisco, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys tackle Tyler Guyton (60) goes through a drill during practice at the Ford Center at the Star Training Facility in Frisco, Texas. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-USA TODAY Sports

No. 66 OG T.J. Bass

Jul 27, 2023; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys guard T.J. Bass (66) Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

No. 67 iOL Brock Hoffman

Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

No. 70 OG Zack Martin

Jun 5, 2024; Frisco, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys tackle Zack Martin (70) warms up during practice at the Ford Center at the Star Training Facility in Frisco, Texas. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-USA TODAY Sports

No. 71 OT Chuma Edoga

Jul 27, 2023; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys tackle Chuma Odoga (71) during training camp at Marriott Residence Inn-River Ridge Playing Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

No. 73 OG Tyler Smith

No. 78 OT Terence Steele

Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

No. 79 OT Matt Waletzko

Jul 27, 2022; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys tackle Matt Waletzko (71) during training camp at the River Ridge Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

No. 80 WR Ryan Flournoy

No. 81 WR Jonathan Mingo

No. 83 WR Jalen Brooks

ARLINGTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 30: Wide receiver Jalen Brooks #83 of the Dallas Cowboys warms up prior to the game against the Seattle Seahawks at AT&T Stadium on November 30, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)

No. 85 TE Princeton Fant

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 11: Princeton Fant #48 of the Dallas Cowboys makes a pass reception against the Los Angeles Rams in the second half during a preseason game at SoFi Stadium on August 11, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

No. 86 TE Luke Schoonmaker

Jul 29, 2023; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys tight end Luke Schoonmaker (86) during training camp at the River Ridge Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

No. 87 TE Jake Ferguson

Feb 2, 2024; Orlando, FL, USA; Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson (87) participates in the AFC versus NFC Pro Bowl practice and media day at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

No. 88 WR CeeDee Lamb

Feb 4, 2024; Orlando, FL, USA; NFC wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) of the Dallas Cowboys before the 2024 Pro Bowl at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

No. 89 TE Brevyn Spann-Ford

Minnesota Golden Gophers tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford (88) stiff-arms Purdue Boilermakers defensive back Sanoussi Kane (21) during the NCAA football game, Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind. Purdue Boilermakers won 49-30.

No. 91 DE Tyrus Wheat

Jul 31, 2023; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end Tyrus Wheat (91) during training camp at the Marriott Residence Inn-River Ridge playing fields. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports

No. 92: DT Carlos Watkins

Jul 28, 2022; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Carlos Watkins (91) waves to fans as he walks on to the field at training camp at River Ridge Fields in Oxnard, CA. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

No. 93 DT Linval Joseph

Nov 7, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Los Angeles Chargers defensive tackle Linval Joseph (98) runs onto the field against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

No. 94 DE Marshawn Kneeland

No. 97 DT Osa Odighizuwa

Jul 31, 2023; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa (97) during training camp at the Marriott Residence Inn-River Ridge playing fields. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports

No. 99 DL Chauncey Golston

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – NOVEMBER 20: Chauncey Golston #99 of the Dallas Cowboys looks on against the Minnesota Vikings during the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium on November 20, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)

Each player on the practice squad can be called up to the big roster a total of 3 times and still revert back to the practice squad following the game without being released to the open market or waivers.

Each team can elevate two players per week through the regular season.

No. 13 WR Seth Williams

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Seth Williams (18) catches a pass during a combined NFL football training camp session between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Jacksonville Jaguars Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium’s Miller Electric Center in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]

Elevations Remaining: 3

No. 16 WR Jalen Cropper

Jul 31, 2023; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Moreno-Cropper (16) during training camp at the Marriott Residence Inn-River Ridge playing fields. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports

Elevations Remaining: 2 (Elevated in Week 10)

No. 20 RB Dalvin Cook

New York, NY, US; New York Jets running back Dalvin Cook (33) runs the ball against the Los Angeles Chargers defense, at MetLife Stadium, Monday, November 6, 2023.

Elevations Remaining: 1 (Elevated in Week 8, Week 9)

No. 25 Andrew Booth

Dec 24, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Andrew Booth Jr. (23) looks on during the game against the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Elevations Remaining: 2 (Elevated in Week 13)

No. 34 RB Malik Davis

Aug 26, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Malik Davis (34) runs the ball against the Las Vegas Raiders in the first quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Elevations Remaining: 3

No. 43 CB Kemon Hall

Aug 24, 2019; Carson, CA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers defensive back Kemon Hall (37) defends Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Gary Jennings (11) during the fourth quarter at Dignity Health Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Elevations Remaining: 0 (Elevated in Week 11, Week 12, Week 13)

No. 47 LB Darius Harris

Jan 29, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Darius Harris (47) celebrates after winning the AFC Championship game against the Cincinnati Bengals at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Elevations Remaining: 2

(Elevated in Week 6)

No. 4 QB Dak Prescott

Dec 10, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) smiles on the field after the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Prescott was placed on IR before Week 11 with a hamstring injury and is done for the year.

No. 14 Safety Markquese Bell (IR)

Wednesday: Limited |

Markquese Bell was placed on IR prior to Week 12 and is out for the season.

No. 21 CB Caelen Carson (IR)

Carson was placed on IR prior to Week 13 and is eligible to have his practice window opened prior to Week 17.

No. 27 CB Amani Oruwariye

Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Amani Oruwariye (27) hauls in a reception during the ninth day of an NFL football training camp practice Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. Today marked the first day of public practice inside the stadium.

Amani Oruwariye was placed on IR in Week 9. He’ll be eligible to have his 21-day practice window activated in Week 13.

No. 81 TE John Stephens, Jr.

Jul 31, 2023; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver John Stephens Jr. (49) during training camp at the Marriott Residence Inn-River Ridge playing fields. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports

John Stephens was placed on IR in Week 8 with an ACL tear and is done for the year.

No. 90 DE DeMarcus Lawrence (IR)

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 08: DeMarcus Lawrence #90 of the Dallas Cowboys warms up prior to a game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on October 08, 2023 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Placed on IR in Week 5, DeMarcus Lawrence has been eligible to have his 21-day practice window opened since Week 10.

No. 76 OL Asim Richards

Jul 29, 2023; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Asim Richards (76) during training camp at the River Ridge Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Richards was placed on IR prior to Week 13 and is eligible to have his practice window opened prior to Week 17.

No. 54 DE Sam Williams

Williams is out for the entire year.

No. 62 OT Nathan Thomas (IR)

Thomas was placed on IR before the initial 53, so he’s done for the year.

No. 64 OT Earl Bostick, Jr. (IR)

NORMAN, OK – October 15, 2022 – offensive lineman Earl Bostick Jr. #68 of the Kansas Jayhawks during the game between the Kansas Jayhawks and the Oklahoma Sooners at Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, OK. Photo by Missy Minear/Kansas Athletics

Bostick was placed on IR in training camp so he’s done for the year.