Injuries forced the Dallas Cowboys to sign the defensive tackle to a new contract

DALLAS – The Dallas Cowboys have added a new defensive player to their lineup as two key defenders return from injuries.

KJ Henry comes from Cincinnati’s practice squad.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 01: Clemson defensive lineman KJ Henry answers media questions during the NFL Scouting Combine on March 1, 2023 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo: Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty

He is a second-year player who was selected in the fifth round of the 2023 draft by Washington.

Henry played 10 games for the Commanders and twice for the Bengals.

He signed a two-year contract with the Cowboys.

Cowboys defensive end Demarcus Lawrence will be sidelined for at least four weeks with a foot injury.

Linebacker Micah Parsons will miss Sunday’s game in Pittsburgh, if not more, with a sprained ankle.

Both were injured in the second half of last week’s 20-15 victory over the New York Giants.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones expects younger players to step up.

“I think we’re lucky to have these young guys who can step in here and just play with them. “It’s hard to imagine that in a system like the NFL, it’s possible to poach players from a practice squad. It’s hard to imagine that there’s someone who can be exposed and stolen, who will literally step in this week,” he said.

Rookie Marshawn Kneeland and veterans Carl Lawson and Chauncey Golston could also replace him. Tyrus Wheat joined the team but was listed as inactive for the last two games.

Sunday night’s win over Pittsburgh combined with a loss in Washington gives the Cowboys a tie in the NFC East.