Cowboys Immediately Sign Pass-Rusher After Latest Defensive Injury

The Dallas Cowboys' edge defenders are off to an unfortunate start. First, it was Sam Williams who was ruled out for the season. Then, DeMarcus Lawrence landed on the injured reserve list and Micah Parsons missed the first game of his NFL career in Week 5. Rookie pass rusher Marshawn Kneeland, who stepped up into a starter role in their absence, suffered a serious injury in the first quarter against the Steelers.

This understandably created a need for more pass rusher depth in Dallas. Carl Lawson and Tyrus Wheat stepped in opposite Chauncey Golston in Pittsburgh but more bodies were needed. The Cowboys finally added another defender into the mix on Tuesday.

According to Cowboys insider Todd Archer, the team is signing Luiji Vilain to the practice squad after a workout earlier in the day.

NFL News: Cowboys Sign DE Luiji Vilain

This follows the move to bring up veteran defenders Carl Lawson and Nick Vigil to the 53-man roster. The two spots that were opened up are getting filled by WR Seth Williams and Vilain.

Vilain signed with the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2022. After an impressive preseason, he surprisingly made the Vikings' final roster, appearing in three games as a rookie. He spent part of last season with the Panthers, appearing in a game before landing on injured reserve in November.

The 26-year-old Canadian defender spent his collegiate career with Michigan and Wake Forest. As a Demon Deacon, he recorded nine sacks and 10 tackles for loss in 14 games in his senior year. He will look to get a chance to establish his NFL career amidst the absences in the Cowboys rotation.

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