The Dallas Cowboys (10-5) host the Detroit Lions (11-4) on Saturday night in a battle of playoff teams with plenty on the line as the Cowboys look to stay in contention for the NFC East title. At the same time, the Lions, who have already clinched the NFC North, still have a shot at the No. 1 overall seed.
When observing the strengths and weaknesses of both teams, the Cowboys’ have dealt with attrition at linebacker, as veteran LB Leighton Vander Esch’s season-ending injury led to a scramble to find enough depth to finish out the 2023 season.
However, standout former safety Marquise Bell has emerged as the lone bright spot at the position, playing at a Pro Bowl level. Still, outside of Bell and second-year linebacker Damone Clark, whose play has been average at best down the stretch, Dallas has officially activated former Texas A&M LB Buddy Johnson for the first time this season, according to Dallas Cowboys.com writer Nick Harris.
Johnson, a native of Dallas, Texas, was drafted in the 4th round by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2021 NFL Draft and has spent the last two seasons on multiple practice squads, returning home after signing with the Cowboys on Oct. 24.
The #DallasCowboys are elevating DT Carl Davis and LB Buddy Johnson from the practice squad for tonight’s game vs. Detroit.
It’s Davis’ third and final elevation and Johnson’s first elevation of the season.
— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisDC) December 30, 2023
In four seasons with the Aggies (2017-2020), Johnson, a fan favorite, recorded 209 tackles (101 solo tackles), 23.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and an interception during one of the more productive careers from an A&M linebacker since the Aggies entered the SEC in 2012.
Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Jarrett Johnson on Twitter: @whosnextsports1.
