While the Tampa Bay Buccaneers had an ace up their sleeve for the wild-card game on Monday night, the Dallas Cowboys hope to counter with two. Earlier on Monday the Bucs activated center Ryan Jansen for the first time all season. Jansen had partially torn his ACL in training camp, and returns amidst some additional Bucs’ line issues. Dallas expected Jansen’s return, and the Bucs likely anticipated one on the Cowboys’ side as well.
After missing the last four contests due to a pec strain, midseason addition Johnathan Hankins was activated on Monday as well. Hankins has stated he believed he was ready before now, but IR rules mandated the continued absence. That’s not the only roster move of importance for Dan Quinn’s defense. Forever in search of help at cornerback Trevon Diggs after the loss on Anthony Brown, Dallas is elevating veteran Xavier Rhodes from the practice squad for his first action of the year with the club.
Dallas has tried slot corner DaRon Bland, second-year CBs Kelvin Joseph and Nahshon Wright as well as Treyvon Mullen in recent weeks. It’s not known how much Rhodes will play, but it may be extensive considering the number of passing-game weapons the Bucs can throw at a defense.
In addition, the club has elevated Aviante Collins to be the eighth offensive lineman. The NFL relaxes their regular season rules for the playoffs and players can be elevated at a club’s leisure now, regardless of how many times they were elevated during the regular season. Here’s a look at the 55-man roster Dallas will deploy for the game.