OXNARD, Calif. — Jerry Jones was asked Thursday whether he is concerned about Donovan Ezeiruaku, who has now been removed from two Dallas Cowboys practices this month for throwing punches.
The Cowboys owner and general manager did not answer by defending the player or dismissing the question. He talked about consequences.
“Well, I think that you have to have consequences, and that needs to register,” Jones said. “In other words, we all know whether you’re playing a game or out here in society, if you aren’t sensitive about the consequences of your behavior, then you’ll get brought to your knees pretty quick.”
Jones said he believes Ezeiruaku can respond to that.
“And so this is something that, knowing him, I think he has the capability of being sensitive to consequences,” Jones explained.
Asked directly whether the Cowboys would fine Ezeiruaku, Jones said he had not confirmed where the second-year edge rusher stands in the process. He did say the club will fine players involved in the fight.
Donovan Ezeiruaku Has Been Removed From Two Practices
Officials threw Ezeiruaku out of Tuesday’s joint practice against the New Orleans Saints for throwing a punch. Dallas had already removed him from an Aug. 6 practice in Oxnard for fighting.
Brian Schottenheimer said Tuesday he did not see the punch himself. He was working both fields and acted after it was reported to him.
Caelen Carson also threw a punch Tuesday. Officials did not see that one. Jalen Thompson was taken to the ground by a Saints player, and Saints center Erik McCoy threw a Cowboys player’s helmet into the air during a scrum.
The NFL fined the Cowboys and Saints $500,000 each Thursday afternoon. Jones said Dallas will appeal the fine and will also discipline its own players.
Donovan Ezeiruaku Remains Part Of A Crowded Dallas Cowboys Edge Group
Dallas drafted Ezeiruaku in the second round in 2025, 44th overall out of Boston College. He moved into the edge rotation as a rookie.
He switched to No. 6 for this season after the number came open.
Dallas has added more competition around him since then. Rashan Gary signed this offseason. Malachi Lawrence was a 2026 first-round pick. Von Miller agreed to terms Sunday on a one-year deal worth $5.5 million and took his first practice reps Thursday.
James Houston, Sam Williams, Marist Liufau, and Tyrus Wheat are also in the group. Houston finished second on the team in sacks last season with 5.5.
Dallas ranked 26th in the NFL in sack rate in 2025 and allowed more passing yards than any other team.
