The impact of losing a player like Micah Parsons could be significant for the Dallas Cowboys, and with DeMarcus Lawrence out for several weeks, the team faces a major issue at defensive end that needs urgent attention. KJ Henry may be part of the solution to that problem.
Henry is set to leave the Cincinnati Bengals practice squad this week and sign with the Cowboys, joining forces with rookie Marshawn Kneeland, Chauncey Golston, and Carl Lawson in an effort to fill the defensive end void.
Drafted in the fifth round by the Washington Commanders in 2023, Henry joined the Bengals after being claimed off waivers. He was later waived and re-signed to their practice squad, where he’s been since.
The former Clemson star, who has appeared in 10 NFL games (three starts), brings a blend of youth and experience to Dallas. In 2023, he recorded 19 tackles, four tackles for loss, two pass breakups, and 1.5 sacks.
An All-ACC player in college, Henry is eager to make his mark in the NFL and could get a chance to start in Week 5 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 255 pounds, Henry is a pure edge rusher and rarely moves inside. He also contributes on special teams, with his 2023 snaps totaling 269 on defense and 78 on special teams, and limited action in 2024.
Henry’s familiarity with Cowboys defensive line coach Jeff Zgonina, from his time with the Commanders, could help with the transition. As a rookie, he recorded nine pressures, six quarterback hits, and 14 tackles under Zgonina’s guidance.
By signing him off another team’s practice squad, the Cowboys must add Henry to the active roster, where he will remain for at least three weeks — a window in which he can prove himself, especially with the Cowboys already having lost Sam Williams to a torn ACL at the start of training camp.
