GS. The Cowboys’ Roster Is Rocked by a Stunning Swap: A Star Lineman’s Season Is Suddenly Over as a DB Makes an Unexpected Comeback – Just Days Before the Raiders Clash.
In a dramatic turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the Dallas Cowboys’ locker room and fanbase, the team has executed a roster shake-up mere days ahead of their high-stakes Monday Night Football matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. The moves, announced on Monday afternoon, highlight the unpredictable nature of the NFL season, where injuries can derail careers and unexpected recoveries can reignite hope.
At the center of this stunning swap is the placement of offensive lineman Ajani Cornelius on injured reserve (IR), effectively ending his season in a heartbreaking blow. Cornelius, a rising star on the Cowboys’ offensive line, had been a key contributor in protecting quarterback Dak Prescott and opening lanes for the running game. His absence will be felt deeply, as the team grapples with mounting injuries along the trenches. Sources close to the team indicate that Cornelius’s injury, while not publicly detailed, has been severe enough to sideline him for the remainder of the 2025 campaign. This development comes at a critical juncture, with the Cowboys fighting to stay in playoff contention amid a turbulent season.
On the flip side, the Cowboys received a much-needed boost with the activation of defensive back Malik Hooker from IR. Hooker, a starting safety who had been sidelined since Week 4 with a toe injury, is set to make an unexpected comeback just in time for the primetime clash. Before his injury, Hooker had been a stalwart in the secondary, amassing 20 tackles in his four starts and providing veteran leadership to a defense that has struggled with consistency. His return is particularly timely, as it coincides with the highly anticipated season debut of rookie cornerback Shavon Revel, potentially fortifying the backfield against the Raiders’ potent passing attack.
The Cowboys’ defense, which has faced criticism for its performance in recent weeks, could see a significant uplift with Hooker’s presence. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer, seen intently observing from the sidelines in recent games, will undoubtedly look to leverage this reinforcement to turn the tide. “We’re excited to have Malik back,” a team insider shared. “His experience and playmaking ability are exactly what we need right now.”
These roster adjustments come as the Cowboys prepare for a showdown with the historic Las Vegas Raiders to close out Week 11. The game, set for Monday, November 17, 2025, at 8:15 p.m. ET, will take place at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. Fans can catch the action on ABC and ESPN, with an alternative Manningcast broadcast on ESPN2 featuring special guests: former President George W. Bush, celebrity chef Guy Fieri (the self-proclaimed Mayor of Flavor Town), and ex-Raiders quarterback Derek Carr.
Betting lines currently favor the Cowboys by 3.5 points, with an over/under of 50.5, suggesting oddsmakers anticipate a competitive, high-scoring affair. However, with the roster flux, questions linger about how Dallas will adapt. Will Hooker’s return spark a defensive resurgence, or will Cornelius’s absence expose vulnerabilities on the offensive line?
As kickoff approaches, the Cowboys’ faithful are left pondering the implications of this swap. In the NFL, where fortunes can change in an instant, this move underscores the fragility of rosters and the resilience required to compete at the highest level. Stay tuned for updates as the team takes the field under the bright lights of Monday Night Football.
