Cowboys make two surprising defensive line moves in preparation for season-opener

No, the Cowboys did not trade for Khalil Mack, but the Cowboys did make two surprising moves along their defensive line on Tuesday, just three days after trimming their roster down to 53.

Nick Eatman of the mothership reported on Cowboys Break that Stephen Jones had said that the Cowboys will not be placing defensive lineman Datone Jones on injured-reserve, and he will stay on the 53-man roster. It was reported on Sunday that the Cowboys would be placing Jones on IR due to a knee injury he suffered against the Bengals in week three of the preseason.

The team's plan was to place Jones on IR, then bring Brian Price back to the 53-man roster, unfortunately, the Oakland Raiders claimed Price, which left the Cowboys without his services on the interior of the defensive line. To combat that move, Datone Jones will now be on the 53, and will be able to play when he’s healthy. Jones is rehabbing a knee injury that initially had him as an IR candidate.

The second roster move the Cowboys made on Tuesday may have been even more surprising. It was reported that Charles Tapper, third-year defensive lineman was cut from the practice squad just two days after being placed on the practice squad.

Tapper, a former-fourth-round pick, has battled injuries throughout his entire career, but has shown signs of being the player the Cowboys thought they were getting when they spent that draft pick on him in the 2016 NFL Draft.

The Cowboys kick off their season in Carolina against the Panthers this Sunday, we will have to see if any more moves will be made before the Cowboys head to Charlotte, North Carolina to take on the Cam Newton and company.