It isn't any secret that the Dallas Cowboys have been consistently frustrated with veteran pass rusher Dante Fowler Jr. The lack of production throughout the first four weeks was somewhat offset by finally breaking through in Week 5 and registering his first sack of the season; however, the next week isn't starting off in promising fashion.
ESPN's Todd Archer reported on Thursday that Fowler missed the latest Cowboys practice due to sickness. Having yet another piece of bad news does little to help faith in a player who simply hasn't lived up to expectations, and it's left fans to wonder if he'll be healthy enough to capitalize on his latest performance when Dallas faces the Carolina Panthers in Week 6.
Cowboys DE Dante Fowler Jr. Hits Another Obstacle in Week 6
It is important to note that Fowler is expected to be able to play this week, meaning there is still hope of him continuing the step forward taken last week. It was an overdue performance from the Cowboys' $6 million man, who hasn't been worth his price tag so far. His lackluster start was a big reason why Dallas felt the need to go out and sign Jadeveon Clowney early in the season.
The Cowboys signed Fowler, coming off an impressive season with the Washington Commanders, where he totaled 10.5 sacks in 2024, along with an interception and a touchdown scored. It was as great a season as the veteran has put together, and it built expectations that staying within the division with what was expected to be a more talented defensive line would continue this string of production.
The Cowboys traded away star disruptor Micah Parsons before the 2025 season started, putting too much responsibility on the shoulders of Fowler, and the results have been predictably frustrating. This isn't the first time this script has been followed, with Fowler having a great season with the Los Angeles Rams in 2019, only to be handed a huge contract from the Atlanta Falcons he would never live up to.
Luckily, the Cowboys are only invested for $6 million, making the lack of production slightly less frustrating. If the results don't continually improve in the next weeks of the season, it wouldn't be shocking to see America's Team consider moving in a different direction, whether this means fewer snaps or a new piece altogether.
Regardless, there is no arguing that it has been a frustration to see what was an exciting signing fail so miserably. Missing practice due to sickness is just another reminder of how little consistency there has been from Fowler, leaving room to wonder if last Sunday's performance was a sign of things to come or a clear outlier.