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Cowboys Sign Surprise Defender After Star Injuries to Begin Week 5

Dallas found a promising young defender to ease the loss of Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence.

By Joe Summers

Sep 22, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy looks on during the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Dieb-Imagn Images
Sep 22, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy looks on during the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Dieb-Imagn Images / Andrew Dieb-Imagn Images
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The Cowboys announced a big roster move on Tuesday ahead of Week 5, signing DE KJ Henry off the Bengals' practice squad to a two-year deal following major injuries to star defenders Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence.

Parsons will be out multiple weeks while Lawrence is going on the injured reserve list, so reinforcements were necessary for a depleted defense that ranks 25th in opponent yards per play (5.7).

Originally a fifth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Clemson, Henry is a promising pass-rusher who could turn into a valuable defender as he develops.

Cowboys Sign DE KJ Henry Off Bengals Practice Squad

Henry appeared in two games for the Bengals so far in 2024 but did not record a stat. In 2023 with the Commanders, he notched 19 tackles, two deflected passes, two QB hits and 1.5 sacks.

That Dallas signed him to a two-year deal indicates the organization's belief in his ability. The 25-year-old was a four-year contributor at Clemson, compiling 123 tackles, 13.5 sacks and 11 deflected passes. He knocks passes down at the line of scrimmage with regularity, an effective way to slow passing attacks without needing to garner pressure.

Of course, Henry still has the speed and power to beat offensive linemen off the edge too. At six-foot-four and 255 pounds, he has great size, though scouting profiles from his college days suggest he needs to develop a consistent go-to pass-rush move.

Parsons and Lawrence are two excellent teachers in that regard. Even while they're sidelined, Henry can learn from them in hopes of making an immediate impact.

Dallas' defense hasn't been the dominant unit fans are used to, though Henry's signing is a step in the right direction amid the slew of injuries over the last few weeks.

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