Cowboys Reverse Recent Cuts With Triple Roster Adjustments Ahead of Packers Rivalry

The Dallas Cowboys made roster changes Tuesday ahead of their Week 6 game against the Green Bay Packers . The moves include two players returning after recent roster decisions.

The Cowboys also released cornerback Alex Austin from their practice squad as they prepare for the upcoming matchup.

Cowboys make changes across their roster

The Dallas Cowboys made three roster moves Tuesday, October 13, ahead of their Week 6 game against the Green Bay Packers. The Cowboys re-signed running back Emari Demercado to the 53-man roster, signed guard Nick Leverett to the practice squad and released cornerback Alex Austin from the practice squad. The Cowboys are 2–3 after a 24–16 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Cowboys announced the moves in a statement : "The @dallascowboys signed RB Emari Demercado on Tuesday. The club also signed G Nick Leverett to the practice squad and released CB Alex Austin from the practice squad."

Demercado was waived October 8 to make room for guard Tyler Smith, who returned from injured reserve before the Buccaneers game. The Cowboys brought him back five days later.

Demercado joined the Arizona Cardinals as an undrafted free agent in 2023 after playing at TCU. He signed a three-year, $2.71 million contract with the Cardinals, including a $915,000 base salary in 2024. Following the 2025 season, he signed a one-year deal with the Kansas City Chiefs during the 2026 offseason but was released during final roster cuts. The Cowboys claimed him off waivers August 31. His current contract terms with the Cowboys have not been publicly disclosed.

He has played in two games for the Cowboys this season, recording five carries for 15 rushing yards. In 2025, he played 13 games for the Cardinals with 44 carries for 312 rushing yards, 13 catches for 101 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown. He had 223 rushing yards in 2024 and 284 in 2023. During three Cowboys preseason games, he recorded 17 carries for 64 rushing yards and two catches for 23 receiving yards. Malik Davis suffered a season-ending hip injury before Week 1, creating another opportunity in the Cowboys' running back group.

Leverett was waived October 12 and re-signed to the practice squad Tuesday. The Cowboys had promoted him to the active roster September 9 after Tyler Smith went on injured reserve. He played in all five games this season, mainly on special teams.

The 28-year-old has five years of NFL experience after playing at Rice. He can play center and guard and previously played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New England Patriots and Arizona Cardinals. He has appeared in 24 NFL games during his career.

Austin signed with the Miami Dolphins March 12, 2026, and was released August 29. The Cowboys added him to their practice squad September 30 before releasing him October 13. The Buffalo Bills drafted him 252nd overall in the seventh round in 2023. He also played for the Houston Texans and New England Patriots. In three seasons with those two teams, he played 29 games with six starts. His career totals are 27 tackles, one interception and eight passes defended. He spent the offseason with Miami before later joining Dallas' practice squad.

The Cowboys have also adjusted their roster this season, including trading for cornerback Joey Porter Jr. and activating Tyler Smith from injured reserve. The team has also moved players between the active roster and practice squad. Schottenheimer has faced criticism over some of the team's decisions this season.

Head coach Brian Schottenheimer previously said , "There'll be some roster adjustments you guys will see. Some will be more noticeable than others, and some will be subtle as you look at it."

The Cowboys will face the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on October 18. The two teams have a long NFL rivalry and have met several times in the playoffs. The Cowboys are 2–3, while the Packers are 3–2.