Cowboys Add 6-Foot-4, 307-Pound Lineman Ahead of Raiders Showdown
The Dallas Cowboys, losers of two in a row and three of their last four, have a golden opportunity to right the ship coming out of their bye week when they take on one of the most disappointing teams of 2025, the 2-7 Las Vegas Raiders, in a Monday Night Football matchup.
But the Cowboys are taking no chances, at least with their offensive line depth, after losing a practice squad lineman on Tuesday when former Washington Commanders third round draft pick Geron Christian was given a shot at an active roster spot as the Denver Broncos swooped in and signed him away.
With the 6-foot-5, 302-pound offensive tackle now departed, the Cowboys wasted no time in replacing him with another massive lineman who plays the same tackle position. On Wednesday, Dallas signed 6-foot-4, 307-pound lineman Marcellus Johnson to their practice squad, according to the team’s transaction report.
Cowboys OL Has Held its Own
The Cowboys’ offensive line has not been at the root of the team’s problems, but at 3-5-1 and hopes of returning to the postseason after missing out last year rapidly dwindling, Dallas cannot afford to spring any new leaks. Quarterback Dak Prescott has benefited from the third-lowest sack percentage in the NFL (4.2), going down behind the line of scrimmage just 15 times in nine games, the seventh-lowest total in the league.
Though his offensive line has largely managed to protect him from sacks, Prescott has nonetheless found himself under pressure more than he, or the Cowboys, would like. His average time-to-throw of 2.6 seconds ranks him only 19th in the NFL, among quarterbacks who have taken at least 100 snaps this season.
Yet to Play in an NFL Game
It would probably take a series of injuries to allow Johnson to take his turn on the active roster protecting Prescott. The difference between the 2024 undrafted free agent and his predecessor Christian is pronounced.
Where Christian has appeared in 63 NFL games, starting 25 for six different teams over seven seasons, Johnson has yet to be on the field for a single snap in game that counts. Since signing a $2.85 million, three-year contract with the New York Giants in 2024 — a contract that was terminated almost immediately in favor of a $225,000 practice squad deal — Johnson has bounced around between the practice squads of the Minnesota Vikings and Indianapolis Colts for two seasons.
Compared to College Teammate
When the Giants signed Johnson initially, they guaranteed $170,000 of his contract, the most they gave any UDFA in their 2024 class.
The Colts released Johnson from their practice squad on October 14, and he remained without a football home for almost a month before the Cowboys signed him on Wednesday.
At the time of the 2024 draft, one NFL insider said that he had rated Johnson as “a legitimate NFL player,” and graded him “almost as high” as his former Eastern Michigan teammate, Sidy Sow.
Sow, a 6-foot-5, 318-pound offensive lineman was drafted in 2023, in the third round, by the New England Patriots. The Patriots released Sow in August, and the 27-year-old lineman was subsequently signed to the Houston Texans‘ practice squad. The Texans elevated Sow to their active roster on November 8.
Alex Singleton Provides Positive Update After Successful Testicular Cancer Surgery Following NFL’s Random Screening
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(749x0:751x2)/alex-singleton-1-111025-1f5dee34b9c940c0bfd8e5935507fd84.jpg)
Alex Singleton, team captain of the Denver Broncos and a 2024 “Man of the Year” candidate, has shared an uplifting update following his successful surgery to remove a testicular tumor. The surgery came after a random NFL screening detected early signs of testicular cancer, prompting immediate medical intervention.
Singleton, who has been an inspiration both on and off the field, spoke openly about his experience and expressed gratitude for the early detection that led to a successful procedure. “I’m feeling great,” Singleton said in a statement. “I’m lucky that this was caught early, and I’m so grateful to the medical staff and the NFL for their thorough screening process. Everything went smoothly with the surgery, and I’m on the road to recovery.”
"Early Detection Saved My Life"
Singleton’s surgery was performed after routine testing revealed an abnormality during an NFL-mandated health screening. Thanks to the league’s proactive health protocols, the condition was detected in its early stages, allowing Singleton to undergo surgery and begin treatment before the cancer could spread. “If it wasn’t for the random screening, who knows what might’ve happened,” Singleton shared. “I’m lucky to have had that check-up. Early detection really did save my life.”
Despite the emotional and physical challenges of the situation, Singleton’s focus has remained on recovery and supporting his teammates. The linebacker expressed how the experience has reshaped his perspective on health and the importance of regular check-ups. “This is a reminder that you never know what could be going on inside your body. I encourage everyone to take their health seriously and get checked. You don’t want to take any chances,” he added.
"I’m Ready to Get Back to Work"
While he remains focused on his recovery, Singleton made it clear that he intends to return to the field stronger than ever. “I’m taking it day by day, but I’m committed to getting back to the game and continuing to lead my team,” Singleton said. “My teammates and the Broncos’ medical staff have been amazing throughout this process. I’m excited to get back on the field and contribute to our success.”
As the Broncos’ captain, Singleton has been a key leader for the team, both in the locker room and on the field. His courage and determination through this personal battle have only strengthened his reputation as a leader and role model for others.
"A Champion On and Off the Field"
Singleton, who has been nominated for the 2024 NFL Man of the Year Award, continues to be an advocate for mental and physical health awareness. His journey through this medical challenge, coupled with his leadership in the community, has earned him the respect and admiration of teammates, fans, and colleagues alike.
“Alex’s strength and resilience through this situation have been truly inspiring,” Broncos head coach Sean Payton said. “He’s the kind of leader you want in your locker room, someone who leads by example both on and off the field.”
"Looking Ahead"
Singleton’s recovery process will take time, but with the support of his family, teammates, and medical staff, he is expected to return to action in the near future. The Broncos organization, as well as his fans, are eagerly awaiting his return, not only for his leadership but also for his incredible contributions to the defense.
For now, Singleton is focused on his health, and with his positive outlook and determination, there’s little doubt he’ll come back stronger than ever — ready to lead his team and continue making a difference in the community.
