So, the Dallas Cowboys didn't make the dance. It's January 16, 2026, and instead of a high-stakes playoff prep at The Star, the vibes in Frisco are basically a mix of "what went wrong" and "who’s even left?" If you’re looking for the Dallas Cowboys inactives today, the reality is a bit more complicated than just a Sunday morning list.
The season wrapped up with a thud against the Giants a couple of weeks ago, and honestly, the injury situation heading into that finale was a total nightmare. Now that the dust has settled and the team has finished exit interviews, we’re looking at a roster that’s basically in a state of suspended animation. No one is "inactive" for a game today because there is no game. But the "inactive" list of players who are currently sidelined by injuries as they head into the offseason? That’s where the real story is.
Why the Final Injury Report Still Stings
The Cowboys finished 7-9-1. Not great. But a huge reason for that stumble toward the finish line was the sheer number of guys who couldn't stay on the turf. By the time Week 18 rolled around, the training room was more crowded than the end zone.
Javonte Williams and Malik Davis both ended the year on Injured Reserve. Losing your top two running backs at the same time is basically a death sentence for any offensive rhythm. Williams was dealing with a nasty shoulder/neck issue, and Davis had a bizarre calf/eye injury combo that kept him out.
Then you had the offensive line. T.J. Bass went on IR with a knee injury right at the end. Tyler Guyton, the second-year tackle, was already on IR with a high ankle sprain. It’s kinda hard to protect Dak when you’re rotating in guys who were on the practice squad three days earlier.
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The Defensive Casualty List
The defense didn't fare much better. DeMarvion Overshown and rookie Shavon Revel both finished the season in concussion protocol. Seeing Overshown sidelined again was a gut punch for fans who know how much speed he brings when he’s healthy.
- Perrion Winfrey was a frequent flyer on the inactive list late in the season.
- Jay Toia and Alijah Clark were also consistently scratched.
- DaRon Bland never really got back to 100% after that foot injury landed him on IR in late December.
It’s easy to say "next man up," but when the next man is also limping, you've got a problem.
The Trevon Diggs Sized Hole
You can't talk about the roster status without mentioning the elephant in the room. The Cowboys released Trevon Diggs just before the final game. Yeah, you read that right. It was a massive shocker that still has people talking. Basically, between the injury recovery and the cap hit, Jerry Jones and the front office decided to move on.
That move left the secondary incredibly thin. Josh Butler was activated from the PUP list just to have enough bodies to play the Giants. Honestly, the cornerback room right now is a bunch of "who's that?" guys and rookies trying to prove they belong in the 2026 plans.
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What Most People Get Wrong About "Inactives" Now
People see "inactive" and think of the guys in suits on the sideline. But right now, the Dallas Cowboys inactives today are the guys who are essentially "inactive" from the future plans.
The team just signed nine players to reserve/future contracts. We’re talking about guys like Israel Abanikanda and Parris Campbell. These aren't just depth pieces; they are the insurance policy for a roster that might look drastically different when training camp rolls around.
The Pending Free Agent Crisis
The Cowboys have 22 players with expiring contracts. Twenty-two!
- George Pickens (who the Cowboys traded for) is a free agent.
- Javonte Williams is a free agent.
- Miles Sanders is a free agent.
If the Cowboys don't get active in the front office, the "inactive" list for the start of the 2026 season is going to include some of the biggest names on the team.
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Looking Ahead to 2026
The 2026 opponents list is already out, and it is brutal. They have to face the 49ers, Ravens, and Eagles (twice, obviously). If the medical staff doesn't figure out why this team has become a magnet for soft tissue injuries, the record isn't going to improve much.
Coach Brian Schottenheimer is staying for now, but the defensive coordinator search is in full swing. Whoever takes that job is inheriting a unit that was physically broken by January.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you're trying to keep track of this roster as it evolves during the playoffs (from the couch), keep an eye on these three things:
- The Medical Re-checks: Watch for news on Tyler Guyton and DeMarvion Overshown. If they aren't cleared for "light work" by March, there’s a deeper problem.
- The Free Agency Tag: Does Jerry use the franchise tag on George Pickens? If not, the wide receiver room is basically CeeDee Lamb and a prayer.
- The Draft Order: Because of that Week 18 loss, the Cowboys have a top-15 pick. They desperately need a cornerstone corner or another tackle.
The season is over, but the roster moves are just starting. Stay tuned to the transaction wire, because the "inactives" of today are often the "ex-Cowboys" of tomorrow.