The Dallas Cowboys have finalized the core of their practice squad for the 2026 season, headlined by the Wednesday re-signing of quarterback Joe Milton. The 16-man unit (plus one IPP exemption) is now set ahead of the team’s season opener against the New York Giants on September 13.
The Cowboys made a series of roster moves on Wednesday, September 9, to address depth concerns following an injury to Pro Bowl guard Tyler Smith.
Nick Leverett promoted to active 53-man roster
Dallas signed offensive lineman Nick Leverett off the practice squad to the 53-man roster to fill the opening created by Smith’s placement on injured reserve. Smith underwent thumb surgery and is expected to miss 4-6 weeks.
Leverett, who entered the league with Tampa Bay in 2020 and has appeared in 21 games for the Cardinals, Patriots and Buccaneers, will provide interior offensive line depth behind T.J. Bass, who is set to start at left guard.
What's New
Laken Tomlinson signed to practice squad
In a corresponding move, the Cowboys signed 11-year veteran and former Pro Bowler Laken Tomlinson to the practice squad. Tomlinson, a 2015 first-round pick of the Detroit Lions, has 162 regular-season starts and provides experienced insurance along the interior offensive line.
Tight end swap
The Cowboys also swapped tight ends on the practice squad, releasing Mitch Van Vooren and signing James Mitchell.
Mitchell, a former fifth-round pick of the Detroit Lions out of Virginia Tech in 2022, appeared in 30 games over three seasons with Detroit and spent time with the Carolina Panthers in 2025. He brings 35 games of regular-season experience and joins rookie Michael Trigg as the two tight ends on the practice squad.
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Dallas Cowboys practice squad
Offense
Quarterbacks
- QB Joe Milton
Running backs
- RB Israel Abanikanda
Wide receivers
- WR Jordan Hudson
- WR Anthony Smith
Tight ends
- TE Michael Trigg
- TE James Mitchell
Offensive line
- OL Wanya Morris
- OL Marcellus Johnson
- OL Laken Tomlinson
Defense
Defensive line
- DL Adedayo Odeleye (International Player Pathway Program exemption)
Defensive tackles
- DT Tommy Dunn
- DT Elijah Garcia
Linebackers
- LB Justin Barron
- LB Isaiah Land
- LB Curtis Robinson
Defensive backs
- DB Derion Kendrick
- DB Reddy Steward
Total practice squad players: 16
Remaining potential spot: 1 IPP exemption slot available
Cowboys practice squad analysis
Dallas’ practice squad reflects a balance between developing young talent and keeping experienced depth available for the regular season.
The biggest move was retaining Joe Milton, giving the Cowboys three quarterbacks in the organization. Milton provides insurance behind Dak Prescott and adds another developmental option within Brian Schottenheimer’s offense.
Israel Abanikanda gives Dallas extra depth at running back behind Javonte Williams and Malik Davis. His explosiveness and preseason performance helped him secure a spot.
The wide receiver group features Jordan Hudson and Anthony Smith, two young players the Cowboys can continue developing without rushing their progression.
At tight end, Michael Trigg and James Mitchell bring different skill sets. Trigg remains an intriguing developmental prospect, while Mitchell adds NFL experience.
The offensive line additions of Wanya Morris, Marcellus Johnson, and Laken Tomlinson give Dallas valuable depth in the trenches. Their experience provides protection against injuries during the long season.
On defense, the Cowboys focused on players with previous NFL experience and familiarity with the team. Reddy Steward stands out after playing all 17 games last season and gives Dallas flexibility in the secondary.
The linebacker group also received attention, with Justin Barron, Isaiah Land, and Curtis Robinson returning after spending time in the organization. They provide reliable depth at a position where injuries can quickly impact a roster.
Overall, Dallas built a practice squad with developmental upside and players who can step in if injuries create openings on the active roster.
The Cowboys still have the option to add one more player through the International Player Pathway Program exemption.
