Donovan Ezeiruaku managed to play all 17 games during his rookie season. He will not be available at the start of the Cowboys’ 2026 offseason program, however.
Ezeiruaku is recovering from hip labrum surgery, the team announced on Monday. As a result, he is expected to miss at least most of Dallas’ spring workouts, meaning an absence through OTAs and minicamp can be expected. The procedure took place five weeks ago, ESPN’s Todd Archer reports.
Both the team announcement and Archer’s report indicate Ezeiruaku is expected to be fully recovered in time for training camp. That would of course be critical given his importance to Dallas’ defense and the arrival of new DC Christian Parker. Missed time during the installation of Parker’s scheme – and a switch to a 3-4 base defense – will nevertheless be a detriment to Ezeiruaku as he prepares for Year 2 in the NFL.
The second-round pick handled a 55% snap share in 2025, recording a pair of sacks and 26 QB pressures along the way. Ezeiruaku is in line to once again operate as one of the Cowboys’ top outside linebackers moving forward as the team evaluates its options at that position. Considerable turnover in the pass rush department could be taking place soon with Jadeveon Clowney, Dante Fowler and Sam Williams all on track for free agency.
Dallas is one of the teams still well over the cap as things stand, but several restructures are expected to take place to free up funds. Based on comments made by owner Jerry Jones during the Combine, an unusually active period on the open market could be coming. If the Cowboys are to pursue big-money additions in free agency, it would certainly stand to reason defensive upgrades would be the target. Bringing in at least one edge rusher could especially prove to beneficial.
Ezeiruaku’s rookie contract runs through 2028. The Boston College product will spend the coming months continuing his rehab, and his progress leading up to the summer will be worth monitoring.
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