OXNARD, Calif. — Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Christian Parker said Wednesday he and Donovan Ezeiruaku are on the same page after the edge rusher was ejected from Tuesday’s joint practice with New Orleans for throwing a punch.
It was Ezeiruaku’s second ejection of camp. The first came Aug. 6 in Oxnard.
Christian Parker on Donovan Ezeiruaku’s Ejection
Parker said Dallas wants Ezeiruaku playing with an edge. The conversations have been about making sure he knows where that edge has to stop.
“I think we’ve had a lot of good conversations about that. We’re on the same page. Donovan knows that we’re a better defense when he’s on the field,” Parker said. “I think that’s where it starts, is the connection with your teammates and being available.”
“We got to find ways to not cross that line and stay together and stay neutral in that regard,” Parker continued. “So, good learning experience for him yesterday in terms of just being able to kind of maintain his composure and poise. But we certainly have been encouraged with him and his play and his maturity and growth this training camp.”
Schottenheimer said Tuesday that officials told him Ezeiruaku had thrown a punch, which triggered the ejection. Another conversation with Ezeiruaku was coming after practice. The two had already gone through this once following the Aug. 6 ejection.
Donovan Ezeiruaku Has Been Ejected Before
Dallas took Ezeiruaku 44th overall out of Boston College in the 2025 draft. By Week 9 of his rookie season, he was in the starting lineup full time. He finished the year with 9 starts in 17 games.
His rookie numbers included 40 tackles and 9 tackles for loss. Ezeiruaku had 2 sacks, 12 quarterback hits, a forced fumble, and a safety.
There was an ejection late in that season, too. Ezeiruaku was thrown out of the Week 18 game against the New York Giants after pulling an offensive lineman’s helmet off.
Ezeiruaku came out of Boston College after winning the Ted Hendricks Award and ACC Defensive Player of the Year in 2024.
There is more around Ezeiruaku on the edge now. Rashan Gary came over in a trade. Dallas spent the 23rd pick on Malachi Lawrence in April, then signed Von Miller on Sunday.
Ezeiruaku will see New Orleans again soon. The Cowboys host the Saints on Aug. 28 at AT&T Stadium, with kickoff set for 7 p.m. CT.
