The Dallas Cowboys’ defense was dealt a setback before their first padded exercise of training camp when pass rusher Sam Williams tore his ACL in his left knee, according to a source on Sunday.
Williams also suffered a partial MCL rupture, according to a source, and the injuries ruined his season before it ever began.
Williams was hurt during the special teams portion of practice while participating in a blocking exercise. He lay down for a few minutes as the Cowboys’ medical team treated him. He couldn’t put any weight on his left leg as he boarded a trolley and was led to the locker room.
After practice, owner and general manager Jerry Jones said, “We didn’t like what we saw,” and Williams left for an MRI.
After DeMarcus Lawrence and Micah Parsons, the Cowboys expected Williams to play a significant role in their pass rush. The Washington Commanders signed free agents Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler Jr., as well as former defensive coordinator Dan Quinn. They had a total of 11.5 sacks last season.
Williams had 8.5 sacks in his first two seasons. He was third on the team in sacks with 4.5 in 2023, however, he only played 28.3% of the defensive plays. The Cowboys selected Williams in the second round of the 2022 draft out of Ole Miss.
The Cowboys drafted Marshawn Kneeland in the second round this year and have been thrilled with his early performance in training camp.
“Impressive. Very amazing. “Very mature,” coach Mike McCarthy remarked before of Sunday’s practice. “We love his physicality and drive, just as we did throughout the selection process. He is off to a terrific start. He feels at ease and takes it up in class. Outward personality is crucial. “He is off to a good start.”
The Cowboys have Viliami Fehoko Jr., Tyrus Wheat, and Durrell Johnson as full-time defensive ends in camp, but they did not register a sack last season. Chauncey Golston can play both end and tackle and had 1.5 sacks last season.
What is the Cowboys’ best season?
The Dallas Cowboys have twice achieved their best regular season record of 12-2, once in 1968 and again in 1977. While these seasons represent the pinnacle of regular season dominance for the franchise, it’s important to note that the Cowboys have also enjoyed immense success in the playoffs, with multiple Super Bowl victories. These championship seasons often contribute to a broader narrative of team greatness, making it challenging to definitively pinpoint a single “best” season.
Who has played the most seasons for the Dallas Cowboys?
L.P. LaDouceur and Jason Witten have played the most career seasons with the Cowboys, both with 16 seasons.
