Cowboys poach former division rival DE from NFL practice squad

The Dallas Cowboys have bolstered their DE depth by poaching KJ Henry, who was selected by the NFC East rival Washington Commanders, off the Cincinnati Bengals practice squad.

Washington Commanders defensive end KJ Henry and Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Tyron Smith in action during the game between the NFC East rivals. / Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said the team was more likely to poach a defensive end from an NFL practice squad rather than pursuing one via trend as they look to replace Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence, who are sidelined with injuries.

On Tuesday morning, the Cowboys did just that.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported the Cowboys have signed pass rusher KJ Henry off of the Cincinnati Bengals practice squad.

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Henry joins the Cowboys' 53-man roster on a two-year deal.

Prior to signing with the Bengals practice squad in late August, Henry was released by the division rival Washington Commanders, who selected the college football national champion in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Henry was released as part of the final roster cuts.

Washington Commanders defensive end KJ Henry watches a kickoff against the Seattle Seahawks. / Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

In his limited action in Washington, Henry tallied 19 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and two pass defelections.

As an added bonus, Henry has experience with defensive line coach Jeff Zgonina.

While it wasn't a huge splash that some may have wanted, the Cowboys can use all of the help they can get until Parsons and Lawrence are healthy enough to return to the field.

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