FRISCO, Texas — Donovan Ezeiruaku, a pass rusher for the Dallas Cowboys, had hip surgery to mend a labrum tear five weeks prior. Nevertheless, a source indicates he might be sidelined until the commencement of training camp.
Considering the Cowboys’ shift to a 3-4 formation led by their new coordinator, Christian Parker, this development is far from ideal for Ezeiruaku. While he is anticipated to fill an outside linebacker role, he is still expected to participate in spring walkthroughs and the June minicamp.
Last year, the Cowboys drafted Ezeiruaku in the second round. Despite recording only two sacks, coach Brian Schottenheimer expressed his conviction that Ezeiruaku possesses the potential to become a standout player, especially after leading college football with 17.5 sacks during his concluding year at Boston College.
During his debut season with the Cowboys, Ezeiruaku was acknowledged for making 40 tackles and forcing a fumble. He topped the defense with seven tackles for loss, and his 43 quarterback pressures ranked as the second highest.
It is anticipated that the Cowboys will seek assistance with pass-rushing via both the draft and free agency. The team’s enthusiasm for re-signing Jadeveon Clowney, last year’s sack leader, has somewhat diminished, as they search for individuals who are better suited to Parker’s system.
Apart from Ezeiruaku, James Houston is the sole remaining pass rusher from the previous year’s 53-player squad. Dante Fowler, Sam Williams, and Payton Turner are poised to enter unrestricted free agency.