Cowboys Move P.J. Locke to IR, Add Secondary Depth
The Dallas Cowboys placed safety P.J. Locke on injured reserve because of a torn plantar fascia in his right foot. Locke cannot return until Week 7 at the earliest. Dallas signed linebacker Justin Barron from the practice squad and elevated cornerback Reddy Steward to help address secondary depth before its Week 3 game in Rio.
Dallas will be without safety P.J. Locke until at least Week 7 because of a right-foot plantar fascia tear. To fill his roster spot, the club promoted linebacker Justin Barron from the practice squad. The Cowboys also elevated cornerback Reddy Steward for game day as they manage injuries to Malik Hooker and Cobie Durant.
Steward played all 17 games last season, starting five, and recorded 63 tackles, five tackles for loss, three passes defensed, two quarterback hits and one forced fumble. Barron had a handful of appearances last season and impressed in camp and preseason.
The Cowboys' injury-driven roster changes may matter most to fans, players, and the team's competitive outlook. If Dallas struggles without Locke and other defensive backs, supporters could see a less stable secondary against Baltimore, while replacement players may get chances to prove themselves. The Rio game may also draw broader attention because it places an NFL regular-season matchup in an international setting, potentially affecting local tourism and global fan interest.