The Cowboys decided to activate second-year lineman Matt Waletzko from injured reserve because they needed some depth at offensive tackle, according to ESPN’s Todd Archer. Veteran linebacker Rashaan Evans was waived by the team also using the addition to the active roster. Wilson of KPRC 2 reports that Evans was arrested yesterday in Frisco, Texas, for possession of marijuana.
Thuma Edoga, the versatile backup lineman, and starting offensive tackle Tyron Smith are both listed as injured this week; Waletzko returns to the active roster just in time to add some much-needed depth. He may not be ready to return straight away, and the move might have been required to keep him from going back to season-ending IR. His practice window opened precisely 21 days ago. Nevertheless, he’s back on the active roster and will be needed by the Cowboys to add depth in the final weeks of the regular season and beyond.
Evans aside, the team does not exactly have an abundance of linebacker depth. This does not imply that the action is a direct response to the 28-year-old’s arrest this past week. The Dallas Morning News’ Michael Gehlken actually challenged that precise claim, saying that the Cowboys “downplayed the timing” of the two incidents and even seemed to imply that Evans would be a candidate to rejoin the practice squad if he clears waivers.
Evans was given a start early in the season, but his usage in the last few games indicates that the team was depending less and less on the seasoned linebacker before placing him on waivers, which lends credence to the theory that his release was not connected to his arrest.
In any case, Waletzko is now the 53-man roster spot holder, and he will try to contribute while he’s there. Conversely, Evans will wait to see if he is placed on waivers, though he may be able to rejoin Dallas’ practice squad.
