5:15 PM: Head coach Mike McCarthy confirmed that safety Markquese Bell will undergo surgery on his left shoulder, according to ESPN’s Todd Archer.
4:27 PM: The Cowboys announced that wide receiver Brandin Cooks and defensive end Marshawn Kneeland have been designated to return from injured reserve.
Cooks was placed on IR in early October due to an infection following a procedure on his injured knee, while Kneeland required surgery to address a partially torn lateral meniscus around the same time.
Both players are now eligible to resume practicing, initiating a 21-day window during which they must be activated to the 53-man roster or placed on season-ending IR.
Cooks has had a slow start to his second season in Dallas, recording just nine receptions on 19 targets for 91 yards over four games.
With Jalen Tolbert and KaVontae Turpin surpassing him in yards per game, Cooks may face a reduced role upon his return.
Kneeland, the 56th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, appeared in just five games before his injury, tallying 10 tackles and no sacks.
His absence, combined with injuries to Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence, significantly impacted Dallas’ edge rotation.
While Parsons has since returned to action, Lawrence remains on IR. If Kneeland is activated before Lawrence, he could see expanded playing time.
McCarthy also noted that offensive lineman Chuma Edoga, who was designated to return on November 13, could begin practicing this week after recovering from a preseason toe injury.
Tight end Jake Ferguson remains in concussion protocol.
The Cowboys will be without Bell for the remainder of the season after he dislocated his shoulder in Week 11.
He is expected to be placed on IR shortly.
