Aubrey, Texas is roughly 30 miles from Dallas, where the Cowboys have made significant roster adjustments. The team added former Pro Bowl offensive lineman Laken Tomlinson to its practice squad after starting guard Tyler Smith suffered a thumb injury that will sideline him for at least one month.
To fill the gap on the active roster, Dallas promoted undrafted free agent Nick Leverett from the practice squad.
Leverett, who played college football at Rice University in 2020, will back up new starter TJ Bass. His career includes ten starts across sixteen games with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and time spent with New England and Arizona in 2024. He previously joined the Cowboys last season while offensive coordinator Clayton Adams was still with the Arizona Cardinals.
Tomlinson, 34, brings extensive experience to Dallas after being selected in the first round of the 2015 draft. He has started 162 career games and earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2020. Most recently, he started seven games for the Houston Texans last year.
In other news, ESPN released its annual poll of NFL executives and scouts regarding award candidates. The survey identified head coach Brian Schottenheimer as a contender for Coach of the Year, a shift following his team's 7-10 season record. An NFC scout noted that quarterback Dak Prescott’s potential and an improved defense give Dallas a strong chance at division supremacy if they stay healthy.
The poll also named safety Caleb Downs as the favorite for Defensive Rookie of the Year. Other predictions included Joe Burrow for MVP, Jahmyr Gibbs for Offensive Player of the Year, Will Anderson Jr. for Defensive Player of the Year, Jadarian Price for Offensive Rookie of the Year, Patrick Mahomes for Defensive Player of the Year, and Matthew Golden for Breakout Player of the Year.
