Dallas Cowboys sign Alex Austin and reunite with Juanyeh Thomas to address secondary injuries.

Through the first three weeks, DaRon Bland and first-round defensive back Caleb Downs were the only two of Dallas’ five opening-day secondary starters still available.
Safety Jalen Thompson was expected to miss four to six weeks with his hamstring injury; if placed on injured reserve, he could return later under the designation to return.
Austin recorded eight passes defended with New England, and his first NFL interception came against Buffalo in Week 17 of his rookie season.
Thomas’s 2025 season ended early after chronic migraines that affected his vision led to his placement on the reserve/non-football illness list.
Dallas’ defense ranked 25th in the league in points allowed per game (27.3) and 30th in yards allowed (387) in the article’s account of the team’s struggles.
The Dallas Cowboys signed cornerback Alex Austin to their practice squad and brought back safety Juanyeh Thomas as injuries decimated their secondary. Safety Jalen Thompson faces a hamstring injury expected to sideline him four to six weeks, joining an already depleted group missing multiple starters Blogging The Boys.
Through the first three weeks of the season, only DaRon Bland and first-round pick Caleb Downs remained available from Dallas' five opening-day secondary starters. The defense ranked 25th in points allowed (27.3 per game) and 30th in yards allowed (387 per game), forcing the team to add depth quickly Yahoo Sports.
Alex Austin, a former New England and Houston player, has appeared in 29 NFL games with 31 tackles and one interception Athlon Sports. With New England, he recorded eight passes defended. His first NFL interception came against Buffalo in Week 17 of his rookie season, showing he can generate plays in crucial moments.
Juanyeh Thomas previously played 36 games for the Cowboys, bringing experience with the team's defensive scheme. Thomas' 2025 season ended early after chronic migraines affected his vision, landing him on the reserve/non-football illness list Athlon Sports. His familiarity with Dallas' system could help him contribute immediately if cleared to play.
The Cowboys face a secondary crisis. Safety P.J. Locke is sidelined, while cornerbacks Cobie Durant and Shavon Revel battle injuries. Malik Hooker remains unavailable Blogging The Boys. Jalen Thompson's hamstring injury could keep him sidelined four to six weeks, and if placed on injured reserve, he could return later under the designation to return.
Dallas has also been monitoring Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr.'s contract negotiations as a potential addition to the secondary Athlon Sports. Porter was deemed questionable to play due to back issues with the Steelers Essential Sports. However, the Cowboys' immediate focus remains on signing practice squad depth like Austin to address urgent roster gaps.
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