The Dallas Cowboys waived second-year linebacker Devin Harper.
Teams have 24 hours to pick Harper up off the waiver wire. If he isn’t claimed, he can return to the Cowboys on their practice squad.
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The @dallascowboys released LB Devin Harper on Thursday.
— Dallas Cowboys Public Relations (@DallasCowboysPR) September 28, 2023
This is a surprise, considering Harper has started all three games this season. Harper provided linebacker and special teams depth. Although he made his first career tackle in an assist during Week 1 against the Giants, his most recent play against the Cardinals was costly.
Harper had a penalty in Week 3 against the Cardinals that took back Kavontae Turpin’s 51-yard punt return in the third quarter, killing the team’s momentum and setting them back to the Cowboys’ 26-yard line.
Cowboys WR KaVontae Turpin nearly broke his first regular-season return for a touchdown Sunday. CB C.J. Goodwin blocked a Cardinals gunner to create initial lane on 51-yard gain, but holding call on LB Devin Harper nullified play. An almost spark on special teams. pic.twitter.com/HgoMjtzxJx
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) September 25, 2023
What Does Devin Harper’s Release Mean?
There is no defined reason why the team decided to release Harper, but there are some educated guesses you can make based on context and history.
It seems like this move had less to do with Harper and more to do with other areas of the team that need depth.
This move could make room for center Brock Hoffman on the 53-man roster from the practice squad since he has been elevated during Weeks 1, 2, and 3. According to the NFL’s limitations, practice squad members can only be elevated three times, which has already happened.
This means Hoffman can no longer be elevated. However, with the state of the team’s offensive line still being questioned going into Sunday and the rest of the season, the team might be making room for Hoffman on the 53-man roster.
On the other hand, as Week 4 comes to a close, players currently on injured reserve are eligible to return on Monday.
The Cowboys currently have offensive tackle Matt Waletzko and cornerback Nahshon Wright on injured reserve.
So, this move could indicate that the team would want to elevate one of these players to the 53-man roster.
Could the Cowboys Be Looking Outside the Building for Depth?
With the linebacker room depth already being limited, it was an interesting choice to waive Harper.
This move could also indicate that the team might have their eyes on someone else to add depth outside of the building.
MORE: Dallas Cowboys Depth Chart
Malik Jefferson is the only linebacker depth on the team’s practice squad. Jefferson injured his plantar fascia during the team’s first preseason game. He has since healed and was placed on the practice squad.
No matter what the Cowboys decide, it will be interesting to see how this impacts that open roster spot by Sunday.