Brian Schottenheimer says roster changes are coming for the Dallas Cowboys, adding another step to the team’s response to a disappointing start.
Speaking Monday, the head coach signaled that the adjustments would vary in scope as Dallas prepares to visit the Green Bay Packers. His comments came the same day the Cowboys added veteran coach Mike Pettine as a senior defensive assistant.
“There will be some roster adjustments. Some will be more noticeable than others,” Schottenheimer said.
Schottenheimer did not identify the specific changes in his remarks. That leaves the scope of the coming personnel decisions unresolved, even as Dallas has begun making moves around a team that sits at 2-3.
The Cowboys’ next response will be measured against more than the hiring of an experienced assistant. Their review includes how they use the players already in the building.
One Cowboys roster move is already official
Dallas waived offensive lineman Nick Leverett on Monday. The move leaves an opening on the 53-man roster, but the Cowboys have not identified a corresponding addition in that announcement.
Leverett had appeared in each of the first five games, with his work coming on special teams. Dallas promoted him from the practice squad Sept. 9 after he originally joined that group in November 2025.
The vacancy gives the Cowboys several options. They can sign a free agent, promote someone from the practice squad or use the opening for an eligible player’s return from injured reserve.
The team identified cornerback Devin Moore and outside linebacker Marist Liufau as its two current candidates to return from injured reserve. That does not establish that either player will fill Leverett’s spot.
Schottenheimer’s review also predates Monday’s announcement. In comments published by the Cowboys on Friday, he specifically identified the outside-linebacker rotation as an area the staff would examine.
Schottenheimer described a review of both the loss to Tampa Bay and the preceding win over Houston. The staff’s assignment was to identify what Dallas was doing effectively and build a specific plan for the areas that needed improvement.
He said the evaluation covered offense, defense and special teams. Monday’s roster remarks followed that weekend review, giving the Cowboys a broader set of decisions than simply adding help for defensive coordinator Christian Parker.
Mike Pettine joins to support Christian Parker
The Cowboys confirmed Pettine’s hiring Monday, with Schottenheimer making clear that Parker remains the leader of the defense. Pettine is joining as an experienced resource for the staff.
His background includes defensive coordinator jobs with the New York Jets, Buffalo Bills and Packers, a stint as Cleveland Browns head coach and more recent work with the Minnesota Vikings.
Schottenheimer said he and Parker discussed bringing in veteran assistance when Parker was hired. They considered two candidates, but neither arrangement came together at that point.
Pettine’s familiarity with the defensive system and players such as Kenny Clark and Rashan Gary helped make him a fit, Schottenheimer explained.
“He’s an excellent football coach that is going to help us under the leadership of Christian Parker,” Schottenheimer said.
Pettine was expected to arrive Tuesday. His connection to Parker is longstanding; Pettine gave Parker his first NFL coaching opportunity in Green Bay in 2019.
That shared experience gives Dallas a veteran assistant who already knows the coordinator he is being asked to help.
Thursday’s loss exposed problems beyond the defense
The numbers from the Cowboys’ 24-16 loss to Tampa Bay explain why Schottenheimer’s review extended across the team.
Dallas surrendered 241 rushing yards and 419 total yards. Bucky Irving accounted for 165 yards on the ground, while the Buccaneers controlled possession for 39:21 compared with the Cowboys’ 20:39.
The offense and special teams contributed to the difficulty. Dallas lost the turnover battle 3-0, with two interceptions and a fumbled kickoff return, leaving the defense without a takeaway to offset those mistakes.
Dak Prescott threw for 316 yards and a touchdown, but the passing yardage did not translate into enough points. Both interceptions came after passes hit receivers’ hands, including the late throw intended for Jake Ferguson that ended Dallas’ final scoring threat.
Those failures make the roster discussion more consequential than a response to one position group. Changing a rotation can alter who gets the next opportunity; reducing turnovers and extending possessions will still require better execution from the offense.
DeMarvion Overshown’s return could change the linebacker picture
Another potential adjustment depends on health. DeMarvion Overshown said Monday that he hopes to play against Green Bay after missing four games with a hamstring injury.
He participated in individual linebacker drills after beginning the media portion of practice with the rehabilitation staff. Schottenheimer had not determined his game status.
Rookie Jaishawn Barham has handled the middle-linebacker job and helmet communication duties during Overshown’s absence. Overshown said the staff had not told him how those responsibilities would be divided when he returns.
That is a specific personnel question to watch as the Cowboys weigh adjustments. A return would give Parker another option without requiring an outside signing, but neither Overshown’s availability nor his eventual assignment is settled.
Overshown also described a defensive meeting Monday in which players reviewed their standards and discussed how to help one another.
“It really wasn’t like a fire drill conversation, it was more so, ‘What can I do to help you?'” Overshown said.
AFD previously covered the high regard NFL evaluators held for Overshown in 2025. The immediate issue is getting him healthy enough to contribute to the current defense.
For now, Dallas has changed its coaching support and opened a roster spot. The next decisions will show how far Schottenheimer intends to take the personnel review.
