Dallas Cowboys announce inactive players ahead of 2021 season opener
The Dallas Cowboys announced seven inactive players for Thursday’s Week One opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Among the notable inclusions are recent quarterback signing Will Grier and rookie cornerback Israel Mukuamu.
The Cowboys recently released their unofficial Week One depth chart, which did not include any of the listed players in the first team. In addition to the inactive players, the Dallas Cowboys will be without several players who have gone on the injured reserve list since the 53-man roster was announced last week.
Full inactive list
Below is a complete list of inactive players for the Dallas Cowboys and their Week One opponent, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Cowboys
Will Grier, quarterback
Malik Hooker, safety
Israel Mukuamu, safety
Azur Kamara, defensive end
Luke Gifford, linebacker
Chauncey Golston, defensive end
Noah Brown, wide receiver
Buccaneers
Chris Cooper, safety
Jaelon Darden, wide receiver
Khalil Davis, defensive lineman
Nick Leverett, offensive lineman
Kyle Trask, quarterback
Ke’Shawn Vaughn, running back
Jordan Whitehead, safety
More Cowboys roster updates
Dallas Morning News’ Michael Gehlken provided an update Wednesday on the availability of Dallas Cowboys Pro Bowl guard Zack Martin for Thursday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Martin will not be available for their season opening game, reported Gehlken.
“Cowboys right guard Zack Martin won’t play Thursday evening at Buccaneers, source said,” Gehlken explained. “Team held out hope, willing to fly him to Tampa on private jet Thursday. But his recovery from COVID-19 hasn’t reached that stage. Week Two game at Chargers a realistic target. Connor McGovern to start.”
One key offensive lineman, La’El Collins, returned to the practice field recently after suffering from neck stingers last week. He was sidelined for a portion of the preseason after the issue arose earlier during training camp. In his absence, reserve tackles Ty Nsekhe and Terence Steele were taking snaps at right tackle.
The Cowboys defensive line is another place for concern entering the season. Two young defensive tackles will miss multiple weeks to start the season. Neville Gallimore was placed on the injured reserve list and Trystan Hill landed on the Physically Unable to Perform list.