Cowboys Make Surprise Roster Moves Before Monday Night vs Raiders

The Dallas Cowboys made several surprise roster moves hours before their Monday Night Football game against the Las Vegas Raiders. The decisions included a key defensive activation, a practice-squad elevation, and a rookie being sent to Injured Reserve. The Cowboys make surprise roster moves as they prepare for a crucial Week 11 matchup.

The team confirmed the updates ahead of kickoff, creating buzz around how these adjustments could affect their performance. These changes arrive at a time when Dallas is fighting for stability after an inconsistent first half of the season.

Every Roster Move Cowboys Made Before Monday Night

One of the biggest moves involved elevating running back Malik Davis to the gameday roster. Davis was waived last week after hitting the maximum number of practice-squad elevations allowed under NFL rules. Dallas took a calculated risk by letting him go, knowing another team could claim him. He cleared waivers and returned to the Cowboys’ practice squad. The team now elevates him again for the primetime matchup.

Dallas expects Davis to be active over rookie Jaydon Blue, who has struggled to break into the rotation. His experience in the system makes him a valuable depth option behind their top backs. NFL rules allow players to be elevated twice before they must be signed to the 53-man roster or waived again.

The biggest boost comes on defense with the return of starting safety Malik Hooker. The Cowboys officially activated him after his stint on Injured Reserve. Hooker has been described as a defensive “quarterback” in earlier reports from trusted national outlets like AP and ESPN. His communication and range could help stabilize a secondary that has struggled in recent weeks. Hooker is expected to play alongside Donovan Wilson for the first time since Week 4.

However, the good news was followed by a setback. Rookie offensive tackle Ajani Cornelius was placed on Injured Reserve. Cornelius has mainly served as a depth piece and was inactive for most games this season. His placement on IR indicates the injury is significant enough to sideline him for a minimum of four games. Dallas now loses another piece of its offensive line depth in a season that has already seen several injuries up front.

The combination of Hooker returning and Cornelius going to IR shows how Dallas is balancing immediate needs with long-term roster management. Trusted outlets like AP and Reuters have reported similar roster strategies across the league as teams tighten their depth entering November.

How These Moves Shape the Cowboys Going Into Monday Night

The return of Malik Hooker is the most impactful change. Dallas’ defense has lacked consistency, and adding a veteran communicator could improve alignment and reduce blown coverages. His presence may help the Cowboys slow down the Raiders’ young offensive core.

Malik Davis gives the team additional versatility in the backfield. His familiarity with the Cowboys’ system makes him a reliable option in short-yardage and pass protection situations. Though he is not expected to carry a heavy workload, his elevation offers insurance behind the starter.

Ajani Cornelius going to IR hurts depth but is unlikely to reshape the offensive line’s structure immediately. Dallas still has its main rotation available for Monday Night Football. Cornelius has been inactive most weeks, so the lineup will not shift dramatically.

As the Cowboys make surprise roster moves, the team enters Monday Night Football with new energy and renewed defensive strength. The focus now turns to how these decisions translate on the field against the Raiders.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Why did the Cowboys elevate Malik Davis again?

Davis cleared waivers after being released. That allowed Dallas to bring him back from the practice squad for Monday Night Football.

Q2: Is Malik Hooker fully back for the Raiders game?

Yes. The team activated him from Injured Reserve, and he is expected to play for the first time since earlier in the season.

Q3: What happened to rookie Ajani Cornelius?

The rookie tackle was placed on Injured Reserve. He had been a depth player and mostly inactive this season.

Q4: Do these roster moves change the Cowboys’ lineup tonight?

Hooker’s return strengthens the defense. Davis adds running back depth. Cornelius’ absence affects depth but not the starting line.

Q5: Are more Cowboy roster changes expected soon?

The team could still adjust depending on injuries. For now, these were the confirmed moves before kickoff.