The Dallas Cowboys have suffered a setback with the loss of veteran defensive end Sam Williams, who sustained a knee injury during Sunday’s game. Tests revealed he has torn both his MCL and ACL, ruling him out for the entire 2024 season.
Read more: Cowboys Eyeing Additional Pass Rush Help After Williams’ Injury
In response, the Cowboys wasted no time in bolstering their defensive line by working out several veteran defensive ends, including Carl Lawson, who has played for both the Cincinnati Bengals and New York Jets.
Ultimately, the team signed defensive ends Al-Quadin Muhammad and Shaka Toney following their tryouts.
With DE Sam Williams suffering a season-ending knee injury, the Dallas Cowboys are adding defensive ends Al-Quadin Muhammad and Shaka Toney
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 1, 2024
Muhammad is a seasoned player with six years of experience, having started his NFL journey with the New Orleans Saints in 2017. After a brief stint with the Saints, he joined the Indianapolis Colts, where he spent the next four seasons, racking up an impressive 11 sacks, 127 tackles, and three forced fumbles.
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In early 2022, Muhammad signed a two-year deal with the Chicago Bears but was released the following February. He later rejoined the Colts in 2023 but faced a six-game suspension for violating the NFL’s PED policy. If he makes the Cowboys’ active roster, he will also serve an additional one-game suspension.
On the other hand, Toney was drafted by the Washington Commanders in the seventh round in 2021, where he recorded 1.5 sacks and 16 tackles over his two-year tenure. Unfortunately, he faced an indefinite suspension for betting in 2022 and was released shortly after his reinstatement in 2023.
While Toney’s experience is less than Muhammad’s, his addition does complicate the depth chart, especially as many current defensive ends on the roster are either second-year players or rookies.
The Cowboys can be hopeful about Muhammad’s potential impact, given his experience, despite the one-game suspension looming if he makes the 53-man roster.
As one of the top defensive teams in the league, maintaining a strong pass rush is critical for the Cowboys’ game strategy. Additionally, they are looking forward to the return of star cornerback Trevon Diggs, who is recovering from a torn ACL, which should further strengthen their defense.