Defensive end was supposed to be the Cowboys’ strong suit going into the 2024 NFL season. Sadly, an injury sustained early in training camp has somewhat altered the situation in Dallas. Sam Williams, a defensive end, is said to have suffered an ACL tear, terminating his third season in the league before it really got off the ground, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. Pelissero and the crew had speculated at first, and Ian Rapoport was the one who confirmed the positive MRI results.
Williams was draughted in the second round out of Ole Miss and joined the Cowboys defensive front in 2022. He was far down the depth chart in his rookie season, behind Dante, Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence, and Dorance Armstrong.
The team utilized a second-round pick on Western Michigan’s Marshawn Kneeland in April to help minimize the impact of Armstrong and Fowler’s departures, but now, Kneeland will likely be asked to step up into the role Williams was set up for. Kneeland wasn’t an elite pass rusher for the Broncos, only amassing 13.0 in five years; his seasons in college actually much resembled the NFL production of Williams’ first two years, so perhaps he’s well-equipped to step into that role.
Unless Dallas turns to the veteran free-agent market, which they may have to do, the Cowboys will have to rely on other players for that lost depth. Viliami Fehoko returns in 2024. A fourth-round rookie last year, Fehoko failed to make any game appearances before being placed on injured reserve with a knee injury in mid-November. He was activated in January but still didn’t see the field. Tyrus Wheat is the other depth option after appearing in 12 games for the Cowboys last year as an undrafted rookie.
While that may not be enough for Dallas, and they may need to seek some free agent help, one thing that’s certain is that Williams will not be able to contribute. That makes 2025 a crucial year for Williams as it will be the final year of his rookie contract and his final chance to show what he can bring to a defense that already rosters an All-Pro star in Parsons
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