Cowboys Open Practice Windows for Three Players

Defensive tackle Jonathan Bullard and two others have returned to practice while on the injured reserve list.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Football

Expressive sports illustration of three football players in motion, rendered with brush strokes in navy blue and silver, capturing training intensity. — The Dallas Cowboys have opened 21-day practice windows for Jonathan Bullard, Marist Liufau, and P.J. Locke, beginning their potential return to the active roster. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Dallas Cowboys have opened the 21-day practice windows for defensive tackle Jonathan Bullard, linebacker Marist Liufau, and safety P.J. Locke. The move allows the players to return to practice while remaining on the injured reserve list.

Why it matters

Opening these windows is a critical step in assessing the recovery of key defensive personnel before determining if they are healthy enough to be activated to the 53-man roster. The team must manage these designations carefully as they currently have six of eight spots utilized.

Jonathan Bullard recorded 3 tackles and 0.5 sacks during his three appearances this season. The team has utilized 6 of their 8 available injured reserve spots designated for return.

The players

Jonathan Bullard

He is a defensive tackle who participated in the first three games of the season before sustaining an injury.

Marist Liufau

He is a linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys who is currently recovering from a wrist injury.

P.J. Locke

He is a safety for the Dallas Cowboys who has been sidelined while recovering from a foot injury.

The details

Bullard sustained an injury during a game in Rio, while Liufau and Locke are recovering from wrist and foot injuries, respectively. Any of the three players can now return to the field for up to 21 days before the team must decide whether to move them back to the active 53-man roster.

The practice windows were opened on October 28, 2026.

Season Trajectory

This roster move follows the protocol established by the NFL's injured reserve designated to return rules, which govern how teams manage player availability across a long season. These practice windows provide the Cowboys with flexibility to restore depth as they navigate the remainder of their schedule.

The activation of these players from injured reserve requires the team to clear open spots on the 53-man roster. Their potential return impacts defensive depth charts and fantasy lineups as the team prepares to adjust their active personnel.

The takeaway

The 21-day window serves as a vital evaluation period for teams to verify player health before committing to a roster spot. Fans should monitor injury reports in the coming weeks to see which of these three players are cleared to play.