When new Dallas Cowboys defensive end Jadeveon Clowney met with the media earlier this week, he expressed his excitement in joining the organization and even said that he expects to play in Week 3 against the Chicago Bears.
That said, it appears as if Clowney’s Dallas debut might be on hold. On Friday, Cowboys COO Stephen Jones was asked about the veteran's chances of playing on Sunday on 105.3 The Fan and said they’re leaning towards him not playing.
“But after practice and talking about it today it’s probably a final game time decision. But leaning toward him probably not playing this week,” Jones said via Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News.
This isn’t the news Cowboys fans want to hear just days before kickoff. Earlier this week, they were excited to hear that Clowney was already ready to play, as this defense could desperately use another pass rusher after getting lit up for 37 points in Week 2.
Jadeveon Clowney Might Have to Wait Another Week to Make Cowboys’ Debut
Now, fans and Clowney himself might have to wait potentially another week, which dampens the mood for this week’s game. The veteran pass rusher could’ve made an impact in limited snaps against this Bears’ offensive line.
On Friday, Clowney was asked by reporters about possibly making his debut on Sunday. The veteran edge pass rusher’s response was different from Monday, but he kept an open mind.
“Whatever they have planned, I'm just looking forward to the opportunity to get out there,” he said via Patrik Walker of DallasCowboys.com. Clowney was then asked about how many snaps he could see. The veteran responded with, “I've done this a few times."
Clearly, Clowney and Jones are on two different wavelengths about his debut. But if he’s truly a game-time decision for Sunday’s road game, it will be up to defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus and head coach Brian Schottenheimer to make that call.
Based on what we saw from the Cowboys’ defense last week (506 total yards allowed), Eberflus does not have much room for error. The fanbase wants to see a better product on the field from his unit, which means having more than three sacks and getting after the quarterback.
Clowney knows how to get after the quarterback and create pressure, as he had 5.5 sacks and 22 quarterback pressures for a poor Carolina Panthers’ defense in 2024. But who knows if we will see him against the Bears, or the following week against the Green Bay Packers?