Cowboys Placed P.J. Locke on Injured Reserve
The Dallas Cowboys moved safety P.J. Locke to injured reserve following a foot injury sustained in Week 2.
Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Football
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The Dallas Cowboys have officially placed safety P.J. Locke on injured reserve after he sustained a torn plantar fascia. He will be sidelined for at least the next four games as he recovers from the foot injury suffered during a Week 2 victory over the Washington Commanders.
Why it matters
The roster move forces Dallas to adjust its defensive depth as they navigate the immediate loss of a key contributor in the secondary. The team has responded by shifting personnel across their 53-man roster to account for the void left by Locke.
P.J. Locke signed a one-year contract valued at $4 million, with $1.5 million in guaranteed money. The move to the designated to return list requires him to miss a minimum of 4 games.
The players
P.J. Locke
He is a safety for the Dallas Cowboys who is currently sidelined by a torn plantar fascia.
Dallas Cowboys
This professional football team is based in Dallas and competes in the NFL.
Justin Barron
He is a linebacker who was recently signed to the Dallas Cowboys active roster.
Reddy Steward
He is a cornerback for the Dallas Cowboys who was elevated from the practice squad.
Cobie Durant
He is a defensive player currently ruled out for the Cowboys due to a hamstring injury.
The details
Following the injury to Locke, the Cowboys signed linebacker Justin Barron to their 53-man active roster. Additionally, the team elevated cornerback Reddy Steward from the practice squad to provide depth while Cobie Durant remains out with a hamstring injury.
Timeline
September 9, 2026: Laken Tomlinson joined the practice squad.
Week 2: P.J. Locke suffered his foot injury.
September 26, 2026: The Cowboys placed P.J. Locke on injured reserve.
Season Trajectory
This roster move follows the NFL Injured Reserve designated to return rules, which dictate the mandatory absence period for injured personnel. The shuffle impacts the team's defensive rotation as they look to maintain competitive balance during the season.
The promotion of Reddy Steward to the active roster fills the immediate depth chart vacancy created by the injuries to both Locke and Durant. Fantasy managers and fans should monitor the updated defensive rotation to see how the team compensates for the loss of secondary personnel.
The takeaway
Injuries often force teams to rely on practice squad elevations to maintain their 53-man roster strength during the season. Teams that effectively manage these depth transitions typically see better consistency across their defensive units.
Further reading
For more on roster updates, visit our Football section.
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