Dallas Cowboys sign linebacker Mikel Jones following workout
Solving a depth issue this week, the Dallas Cowboys signed former Syracuse linebacker Mikel Jones to the practice squad on Tuesday. Jones, a former All-ACC performer, participated in a workout with two other linebackers, Tyler Murray and Jimmy Phillips Jr., before earning his spot on the practice squad.
Last week, the Cowboys released linebacker Devin Harper, opening up a spot on the 53-man roster for Week 4. They filled it with backup center Brock Hoffman, which meant they had a free practice spot and a need for a new linebacker.
Jones spent this offseason with the Los Angeles Chargers before the team waived him ahead of the regular season.
An undrafted free agent in the 2023 NFL Draft, he contributed for four years while at Syracuse. He racked up 298 tackles over that time frame with 8.5 sacks, four interceptions, and four forced fumbles.
On Sunday, the Cowboys travel to face the undefeated San Francisco 49ers. They get the primetime Sunday night slot on NBC for the much-anticipated NFC rivalry game.
Cowboys waived former sixth-rounder Devin Harper
The Cowboys waived former sixth-round draft pick Devin Harper last week, which opened up a spot on the 53-man roster ahead of Week 4. Harper, a former Oklahoma State standout at linebacker, went No. 193 overall to Dallas in the 2022 NFL Draft.
After making the 53-man this summer, Harper was active for all three of the Cowboys’ regular season games so far this season. However, last week against the Cardinals, Harper received a holding penalty on a punt return that negated a 51-yard return by KaVontae Turpin.
Last season, the Cowboys had to put Harper on Injured Reserve due to an Achilles injury. The Knoxville, Tennessee native notched three tackles for Dallas over a season and three games.
The Cowboys were hoping to pick Harper back up after his release but the Cincinnati Bengals claimed him off of waivers before they had a chance.
Harper is the second member of the 2022 Cowboys draft class to get his walking papers. The Cowboys released defensive tackle John Ridgeway out of Arkansas last year. He landed with the Washington Commanders and stuck with them for this season.
The 2022 draft picks still on the roster were all drafted ahead of Harper and Ridgeway. A few have earned starting roles, including first-rounder Tyler Smith at left guard and DaRon Bland, currently filling in as starting cornerback for Trevon Diggs.