The Dallas Cowboys have placed former Pro Bowl offensive lineman Laken Tomlinson on their practice squad. This move follows the announcement that starting guard Tyler Smith will miss at least one month due to a thumb injury. To fill the roster spot, the team promoted guard Nick Leverett from the practice squad to the active 53-man list.
Leverett, an undrafted free agent from Rice University in 2020, will back up new starter TJ Bass. His career includes ten starts across sixteen games with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and time split between New England and Arizona in 2024. He joined Dallas last season while offensive coordinator Clayton Adams was still with the Arizona Cardinals.
Tomlinson, 34, started 162 career games after being selected in the first round of the 2015 draft. He earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2020 and started seven games for the Houston Texans last year.
In related news, ESPN released an annual poll of NFL executives and scouts. The survey identified head coach Brian Schottenheimer as a contender for Coach of the Year. This recognition follows a 7-10 season record and suggests experts view Dallas as a strong NFC East contender.
An NFC scout noted quarterback Dak Prescott’s potential and an improved defense, stating that staying healthy gives the team a good chance at division supremacy.
The poll also named safety Caleb Downs as the favorite for Defensive Rookie of the Year. Other predictions include Joe Burrow for MVP, Jahmyr Gibbs for Offensive Player of the Year, Will Anderson Jr. for Defensive Player of the Year, Jadarian Price for Offensive Rookie of the Year, Patrick Mahomes for Defensive Player of the Year, and Matthew Golden for Breakout Player of the Year.
