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In a move to bolster their offensive line, the Dallas Cowboys have waived running back Emari Demercado from the active roster, paving the way for All-Pro offensive lineman Tyler Smith to be activated from injured reserve. The transaction comes just before the Cowboys' Thursday night showdown with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Demercado, a TCU product, had been signed to the Cowboys' active roster following the initial roster cuts at the start of the season. He initially spent training camp with the Kansas City Chiefs but was waived at the end of camp and subsequently claimed by Dallas.
The running back remained on the roster for four games, but he was inactive for the last two contests as the team opted for fellow running back Tyler Goodson instead. Now, the Cowboys are committing to Goodson as their primary backup.
Under NFL waiver claim rules, Demercado will be placed on the waiver wire, where any team can claim him for their active roster. If he goes unclaimed after 24 hours, he will become an unrestricted free agent, free to sign with any team's active roster or practice squad. There remains a possibility that he could return to the Cowboys' practice squad if he clears waivers.
During his brief tenure with Dallas, Demercado appeared in two games, rushing for 15 yards on five carries without scoring a touchdown or recording a reception. In his previous three-year stint with the Arizona Cardinals, he amassed 819 rushing yards and three touchdowns over 40 games, while also adding 50 receptions for 324 yards and one receiving touchdown.
The Cowboys' running back room now consists of Javonte Williams and Goodson. Williams has impressed early in the season despite inconsistent blocking up front. In the team's Week 4 victory over the Houston Texans, Williams rushed for three touchdowns. Goodson, in two appearances filling in for Demercado, has gained 34 yards on nine carries.
Smith is set to make his season debut on Thursday night after beginning the year on injured reserve due to a ligament tear in his right thumb. He will start at left guard, marking the first time in the last 10 games dating back to last season that the Cowboys' offensive line is fully healthy.
Key Analysis
The decision to waive Demercado underscores the Cowboys' prioritization of offensive line stability over running back depth. With Smith's return, Dallas hopes to solidify protection for quarterback Dak Prescott and rejuvenate a rushing attack that has shown flashes but struggled with consistency. Demercado's departure leaves the backfield reliant on Williams and Goodson, both of whom have had mixed results. The move also highlights the harsh realities of roster management in the NFL, where a player like Demercado—who showed promise in Arizona—can quickly become expendable when a key starter returns. As the Cowboys aim to keep pace in the NFC East, Smith's health could be a pivotal factor in their offensive resurgence.
Originally reported by star_telegram.