Dallas Cowboys Will Decide After Friday Practice Whether To Activate P.J. Locke Or Marist Liufau Into Open Roster Spot

FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys want to get through Friday’s practice before deciding whether safety P.J. Locke or outside linebacker Marist Liufau comes off injured reserve for Sunday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals, coach Brian Schottenheimer said.

Dallas has one open spot on its 53-man roster. The Cowboys waived running back Emari Demercado and waived a rookie tight end from injured reserve on Tuesday. The second move did not affect the 53.

P.J. Locke, Marist Liufau Practice Fully Again

Both players are doing good, in Schottenheimer’s view, and Friday’s practice is the last look before the call.

“We want to get through today. But, yes, again, I think both those guys are doing good and see how practice goes today,” Schottenheimer said. “But, yes, we’ll let you guys know.”

Liufau and Locke were full participants Wednesday and Thursday. Dallas opened Liufau’s 21-day practice window Oct. 22 and Locke’s Oct. 23. Both were listed as questionable for Monday’s game at Philadelphia but stayed on injured reserve and did not travel.

Locke tore his plantar fascia in Week 2 and went on injured reserve Sept. 26. He appeared in two games before the injury, with one start and 3 tackles. Liufau fractured his forearm in the preseason and has not played this season. Dallas took him in the third round of the 2024 draft out of Notre Dame.

Cowboys Have One Opening After Waiving Emari Demercado

Demercado ran 5 times for 15 yards in two appearances for Dallas. The Cowboys first waived him Oct. 8, when they activated left guard Tyler Smith from injured reserve.

Both Locke and Liufau are core special teams players, and Dallas’ kickoff coverage leads the NFL at 19.3 yards allowed per return. Defensive tackle Jonathan Bullard is also working back from injured reserve. Dallas opened his window Thursday, and he practiced in full that day.

At linebacker, Dee Winters is unlikely to play Sunday with an Achilles strain, Schottenheimer said Friday. Safety Caleb Downs was limited Wednesday and Thursday with an ankle injury, but Schottenheimer does not expect him to miss the game.

Game designations come with Friday’s injury report. Dallas (3-4) hosts Arizona (2-5) at AT&T Stadium, and kickoff is set for noon CT on FOX.