Dallas Cowboys Defensive Tackle Perrion Winfrey Placed on Injured Reserve

The Dallas Cowboys have officially placed defensive tackle Perrion Winfrey on injured reserve due to a back injury, which will sideline him for at least the next four games. Winfrey was inactive for the Cowboys' season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles and has been dealing with this back issue since August 31, when he sustained the injury during practice. The Cowboys announced this decision on September 8, 2025, and under NFL rules, Winfrey must miss a minimum of four games before he can be considered for activation.

Cowboys Placed DT Perrion Winfrey On Injured ReserveDallas Cowboys DT Perrion Winfrey headed to injured reserveHeavyCowboys place DT Perrion Winfrey on IR

Perrion Winfrey, a 25-year-old former fourth-round pick from the University of Oklahoma, has had a tumultuous career in the NFL. He was initially drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 2022, where he played 13 games as a rookie, recording 22 tackles and half a sack. However, off-field issues, including being listed as a suspect in an aggravated robbery and a misdemeanor assault charge, led to his release from the Browns. After a brief stint with the New York Jets, where he appeared in one game, Winfrey found success in the United Football League (UFL) with the Birmingham Stallions, earning All-UFL honors before signing with the Cowboys in June 2025.

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Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer described an emotional moment when he informed Winfrey that he had made the team. Schottenheimer noted that Winfrey had assumed he was being cut and expressed how much the game means to him. “The emotion of it, seeing Perrion react like that, showed me two things: the passion he has for this game and the pain he’s had to go through of having it taken away from him,” Schottenheimer stated. This emotional connection highlights Winfrey's dedication and the challenges he has faced throughout his career.

Cowboys place Perrion Winfrey on IR, thinning line after Micah Parsons trade

Winfrey's placement on injured reserve opens a spot on the Cowboys' 53-man roster, allowing the team to make adjustments as needed. The Cowboys have recently bolstered their defensive line by trading for Kenny Clark, a three-time Pro Bowler from the Green Bay Packers. However, the absence of Winfrey may lead to opportunities for other players, such as Mazi Smith, who was a healthy inactive in Week 1.

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Despite his on-field potential, Winfrey's past off-field incidents have raised concerns about his character and reliability. His previous arrests and the circumstances surrounding his release from the Browns have led to scrutiny regarding his ability to maintain a stable career in the NFL.

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Winfrey is eligible to return to practice after four weeks, with the possibility of being activated for the game against the Carolina Panthers on October 12, 2025. The Cowboys will be monitoring his recovery closely as they navigate the challenges of the season without him.

Cowboys Placed DT Perrion Winfrey On Injured Reserve

• “We brought Perrion Winfrey in, and he assumed he was being cut,” Schottenheimer said, via the team’s website.” — Brian Schottenheimer, Head Coach, Dallas Cowboys

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• “I told him, ‘The reason we wanted to do it is because we wanted to see your reaction. We figured you’d react this [way].’ He did not disappoint. He’s a special young man. … who deserves this opportunity, and has earned it.” — Brian Schottenheimer, Head Coach, Dallas Cowboys

Cowboys place Perrion Winfrey on IR, thinning line after Micah Parsons trade