Cowboys Add 6-Foot-4, 307-Pound Lineman Ahead of Raiders Showdown
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Head coach Brian Schottenheimer of the Dallas Cowboys
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.
Although the Packers were defeated, the entire Eagles team still had to tip their hats in admiration – when the game’s MVP was announced, an Eagles player smiled and said: ‘If anyone deserved it more tonight, it had to be Josh Jacobs!’
The night at Lambeau Field ended not only with a 7-10 loss for the Green Bay Packers against the Philadelphia Eagles, but also with a rare moment — when the opponent bowed their heads in respect for a warrior on the losing side. During the postgame MVP announcement, as Jalen Hurts’ name echoed on the big screen, one Eagles player smiled, turned to his teammate, and said softly: “Josh Jacobs played like a true warrior. Every time he touched the ball, we could feel the energy and determination from the Packers’ side. If anyone deserved it more tonight, it was him.”
That moment was quickly captured and spread across social media, becoming a symbol of respect and true sportsmanship. Even in defeat, Josh Jacobs played like a hero. He scored the Packers’ only touchdown, delivering six precious points with a powerful 6-yard run through the heart of the Eagles’ defense in the fourth quarter — a play that embodied strength, hunger, and heart.
Jacobs finished the game with 87 yards and 1 touchdown on 17 carries, but the numbers alone couldn’t capture his effort. Throughout all 60 minutes, Jacobs wasn’t just the engine of the Packers’ offense — he was its soul, constantly fueling his teammates even as they trailed for most of the game. “I don’t care about the scoreboard. I just want my team to fight until the very last second,” he said as he left the field, sweat mixing with the Wisconsin cold.
Head coach Matt LaFleur had nothing but praise after the game: “Jacobs never quits. In every situation, he carries the spirit of a leader. We didn’t win, but he showed what it truly means to be a Packer.” Even Jalen Hurts, the game’s official MVP, didn’t hesitate to add: “Jacobs is a beast. I respect the way he fights.”
In the stands, Packers fans rose to their feet as Jacobs walked down the tunnel — no one called his name, but their eyes and applause said it all. Though the team had fallen short, they knew they had just witnessed a performance fueled by heart, pride, and relentless spirit.
That night, the Packers walked off in defeat, but Josh Jacobs walked off as a winner — respected by opponents, loved by teammates, and remembered by fans. In the freezing air of Lambeau Field, admiration replaced disappointment — and that, perhaps, was the most beautiful victory in sports.
