Dan Quinn: Excited to get 'absolute warrior' Jourdan Lewis back

Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn teased the return of cornerback Jourdan Lewis on Thursday. Although Lewis has been on the physically unable-to-perform list throughout training camp, he told reporters that he is capable of executing all the necessary runs and cuts already, he’s just waiting on medical clearance to get back on the field.

The former Michigan standout suffered a Lisfranc injury to his foot to end the 2022 season so starting camp on the PUP list was expected. Quinn is excited to get him back on his defense, though.

“We’re so excited, because for those of you that don’t know Jourdan, he is an absolute warrior,” Quinn said, via DallasCowboys.com. “He’s one of our very best competitors for those of you that have been around him and watched him play. It’s no surprise that a person like that attacked his rehab portion like he did, because this is a really serious injury that Jourdan had.

“I’m not surprised going through the offseason, early in the mornings seeing him in the weight rooms and doing his stuff. It’ll be a really cool moment when he’s able to get back on the field with these guys. Every single person in that locker room knows he is a true warrior and he’s a true part of that in a big way.”

Lewis nearing return to field

The Cowboys can activate Jourdan Lewis from the PUP list at any time during training camp and the preseason. If he is not activated by the start of the regular season, the team would have to wait until after Week 4.

A former third-round pick out of Michigan, Lewis has started 30 of the 37 games he appeared in over the past three seasons. He posted career highs with three interceptions, 11 passes defended and 61 tackles in 2021 to go along with 1.5 sacks, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries. Last season, he had 26 tackles, with one sack, and one interception.

After losing the first preseason game to the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Dallas Cowboys are brushing it off and moving on to Seattle. They face the Seahawks on the road on Saturday at 10 p.m. ET. Seattle began preseason with a win over the Vikings.

The preseason wraps up on Aug. 26 versus the Raiders. Then, the Cowboys must narrow down the roster from 90 men to 53 by the Aug. 29, 4 p.m. ET deadline.