Cowboys send veteran DE to IR, giving hope for preseason star to make roster

Payton Turner beginning the season on injured reserve opens a direct path for James Houston to make the Cowboys’ 53-man roster. Punters should consider increased value on Houston’s defensive snaps or sack props and factor a thinner Dallas edge rotation into early-season team defense markets for the first four games.

Cowboys Roster Shakeup: Late Cuts Reshape Opportunities

The Dallas Cowboys made decisive roster moves ahead of the cut deadline, releasing undrafted receiver Traeshon Holden and finalizing injury-related decisions that will impact the defensive rotation. Those moves have immediate ramifications for depth and playing time as the regular season approaches.

Payton Turner to Start Season on Injured Reserve

Injury details and timetable

Team officials confirmed defensive end Payton Turner will begin the season on injured reserve after suffering broken ribs. Turner’s placement on IR mandates he miss at least the first four games, removing a key rotational piece from the defensive front for that span.

Roster impact at defensive end

Turner’s absence creates clearer short-term needs at edge rusher and defensive end, forcing the Cowboys to rely on backups and younger players to pick up snaps. That vacancy raises the stakes for players on the bubble and likely alters the plan for situational pass rush early in the schedule.

James Houston: Trajectory from Bounce-Back to Roster Lock?

Preseason momentum and past performance

James Houston generated buzz throughout the preseason after flashes in practice and game reps. His rookie year featured a hot stretch of production — including an eight-sack surge in limited action — before injuries derailed his progress. The current roster landscape gives Houston a clearer route back to consistent snaps.

Why Houston’s role could expand

With Turner sidelined, the Cowboys need depth on the edge and a player who can contribute in sub-packages and on special teams. Houston’s combination of prior pass-rush productivity and preseason momentum makes him a strong candidate to claim a roster spot and carve out early-season playing time.

Betting Implications and Market Moves

Houston’s likely increase in snaps creates value in player props tied to tackles, pressures and sacks. Sportsbooks may adjust team defensive-line markets — bettors should weigh a potential dip in pass-rush effectiveness for Dallas during the first four games and shop for Houston-specific props now that his opportunity has risen.

Outlook and Final Thoughts

Turner’s IR designation is a short-term setback for Dallas but a clear opportunity for depth pieces to step up. Expect roster moves to prioritize edge depth and to see Houston emerge as a central figure in those plans. Bettors and fantasy managers should monitor snap counts and early-season usage to capitalize on adjusted roles.

The Dallas Cowboys' decision to send a veteran defensive end to the IR could open the door for one of the team's preseason stars to make the roster.

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