Dallas Cowboys DE Sam Williams diagnosed with torn ACL

An MRI has confirmed that Dallas Cowboys defensive end Sam Williams tore his ACL during practice Sunday, according to Ian Rapoport.

Williams went down with an apparent left knee injury and had to be carted off the field. He sustained the injury taking part in a special teams drill.

The MRI confirmed that promising DE Sam Williams is out for the season with a torn ACL. Brutal. https://t.co/MRZZCHfkj8

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 28, 2024

“Didn’t like what we saw,” team owner Jerry Jones said Sunday.

Williams was gearing up for his third season with the Cowboys, who selected him in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of Ole Miss. He has suited up in 32 games over the past two seasons, tallying 8.5 sacks, 48 tackles (30 solo), 16 quarterback hits and two forced fumbles. Dallas expected Williams to once again serve as useful depth behind Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence this season.

The Cowboys did, however, select former Western Michigan pass rusher Marshawn Kneeland in the second round of this year’s draft. Kneeland was already going to see some action in 2024, but his role will be even larger now.

Along with Kneeland, the Cowboys have Viliami Fehoko, Durrell Johnson, Chauncey Golston and Tyrus Wheat as additional options at defensive end. Time will tell if Dallas makes a move via trade or free agency to help replace Williams.

Cowboys lose Sam Williams for 2024 season, negotiating contracts with stars

It’s been a rocky start to training camp for the Cowboys, who are in the process of negotiating long-term contracts for a few of their stars. Star wideout CeeDee Lamb is in the middle of a training camp holdout as he seeks a long-term extension from the Cowboys. Speaking with the media Thursday, Jones said he won’t get “bent out of shape” about Lamb not attending camp.

“I don’t flare when it’s happening to us. I’m aware that we want to get these guys to camp. Business as usual. … I’m used to this, I can live with this,” Jones said.

In 2023, Lamb hauled in 135 receptions to go along with a career-high 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns. Both quarterback Dak Prescott and edge rusher Micah Parsons have yet to sign long-term extensions as well.

“Those three players could be 70% of all the money you’ve got, 70% of your payroll,” Jones said. “Now you need a little money for the other 51. That’s a challenge.”